Experiencing hair shedding after getting a hair transplant? Well, calm down; there is no need to worry! Although many patients worry when they start to shed their newly transplanted hair, it is important to keep in mind that this is a temporary phenomenon that will go away as the new hairs start to grow. 

In this article, we will explore in detail the reasons for hair shedding after getting a hair transplant surgery. The article insights are shared by Dr. Akangsha Sharma, a renowned hair loss doctor, known for offering the best hair transplant in Jaipur. Let’s begin with learning what shock shedding is. 

What is Shock Shedding and Effluvium?

Shedding of transplanted hair, also known as shock shedding and effluvium (a medical term), is thought to be a normal side effect of any hair transplant surgery, regardless of whether follicular unit extraction (FUE) or follicular unit transplantation (FUT) is performed. 

This is primarily because a graft is temporarily deprived of its blood supply. This transplanted hair shedding typically starts one week after surgery and lasts for approximately six weeks. The degree of hair loss a patient will likely endure following hair transplantation is also largely determined by genetics. 

Why Does Hair Shed After Surgery?

There are three phases to the growth cycle of hair: growth, transition, and resting. When the roots are in their resting phase, they lose their hair. After undergoing surgery, hair may enter the resting phase. During hair transplant surgery, the hair undergoes the following major traumatic events:

• The hair follicle is detached, and its blood supply is cut off.
• The hair follicle is being re-implanted into the scalp.
• Anaesthesia and incisions affect the surrounding hair.

Following a hair transplant, the attached hair and the implanted follicles will remain in their new location for one to two weeks. During this time, the follicles will begin to enter a resting phase and start to shed their hair. After transplantation, this shock loss may begin as soon as ten days later. It may continue for twelve weeks. Three months after hair transplant surgery, the lost hair begins to grow back. After that, the patient could anticipate good growth in the following months, with the result becoming visible eight to twelve months following surgery.

Therefore, hair shedding is normal and does not indicate that the scalp is "rejecting" the grafted hair.

Is Hair Shedding After a Hair Transplant Normal?

Yes. During the healing phase following a hair transplant, it is common to shed transplanted hair. There are three different kinds of hair loss that one could encounter:

• Transplanted hair shedding
• Non-transplanted hair shedding
• Donor area shedding

Let us examine each kind of hair transplant shedding in more detail.

• Transplanted Hair Shedding

Transplanted hair shedding is among the most prevalent forms of hair loss that occur in the weeks and months after a hair transplant. Although this may seem odd, one should not be concerned because the body is not rejecting the grafts. As the transplanted hair enters the telogen phase of its growth cycle, one will experience transplanted hair shedding. 

• Non-Transplanted Hair Shedding 

Following a hair transplant, some patients may notice that even their non-transplanted hairs start to shed. If a person has many tiny or thin hair that overlaps newly implanted hairs, there is a greater chance that they will shed non-transplanted hair. These natural, non-transplanted hairs are also shed because, after the trauma of surgery, their follicles enter a resting phase, just like transplanted hairs do. Shock loss of non-transplanted hair can happen as soon as two weeks after surgery or even months later. This is an uncommon process that resolves on its own, and every hair that has fallen out ought to grow back.

• Donor Area Shedding

Patients very rarely experience shock loss in the donor region. This phenomenon is uncommon, particularly in cases where a skilled hair transplant surgeon performs the procedure on the patient. However, if it happens, the hair should regrow after a brief period of donor hair shedding.

When Will the Hair Start to Regrow After Hair Shedding?

Most patients experience their first growth three months after the onset of post-transplant shedding. The full regrowth may take longer to manifest. After about six months following the hair transplant, one can notice noticeable increases in hair density. To learn more, you can consult at AK Aesthetics, a clinic renowned for offering the best hair transplant in Jaipur. 

What Happens If A Person Experiences No Shedding After A Hair Transplant?

In the event that there is no shedding following transplantation, the grafts have not transitioned to the telogen phase of hair growth but have remained in the anagen (growth) phase. That is good news because it could mean one can skip the unlikable hair-shedding phase after hair transplantation.

In any case, there is no need to worry. The hair transplant is likely to be successful if one begins to notice some sustained growth within six to nine months.

How Can One Manage Post-Transplant Shedding?

Patients can lessen the effects of shock shedding by adhering to their healthcare professional's post-procedure instructions and stopping activities that could strain their scalp further. This includes avoiding overheating, harsh chemicals, and tight hairstyles. Patients should also make sure they use topical solutions according to directions and take any medications that have been prescribed by their doctor. 

There is currently no method to totally eliminate the chance of shock loss following surgery. However, patients can stop further loss by taking minoxidil or finasteride. Finasteride reduces the amount of dihydrotestosterone in the scalp. This thickens hair and prevents hair loss for a lot of people. Minoxidil can be applied to thicken thinning sections of the hair. However, these solutions and medicines should be taken after discussing them with the doctor.

Conclusion

One should not be concerned if they experience shock-shedding, as it is a common aspect of hair transplantation. It is important to remember that the hair follicles are still intact and that the shedding is only temporary, even though it can be disturbing. Patients can manage the shock-shedding process and guarantee positive outcomes by adhering to their doctor's post-procedure instructions and avoiding activities that might put additional stress on the scalp. 

If one has any questions, they can get in touch with an experienced hair transplant surgeon and the best cosmetic surgeon in Jaipur at AK Aesthetics. Dr. Akangsha Sharma, the founder of this clinic, is a well-known cosmetic surgeon with experience performing hair transplants and various cosmetic surgeries, including rhinoplasty, facelift, tummy tuck, liposuction, blepharoplasty, and many more. 

For more details and to make informed decisions regarding the procedure, visit AK Aesthetics Clinic today.