Skip to content

Shedding After Surgery

It is common to experience hair loss, also known as “shock loss”, after undergoing an FUE hair transplant. This process typically begins within 1-2 weeks following the surgery and is considered natural. However, patients should be aware of three different instances of hair shedding:

  • 1. Shedding of transplanted hair
  • 2. Shedding of non-transplanted hair
  • 3. Shedding in the donor area

Rest assured that your newly transplanted hair will regrow in 8-12 months.

BOOK A CONSULTATION

Why Does Hair Shed After Surgery?

Hair growth occurs in three stages: the growth phase, the transition phase, and the resting phase. During the resting phase, the hair roots shed their hairs naturally. Hairs can enter this resting phase after surgery due to the trauma experienced. Hair transplant surgery typically involves three main traumatic events that the hairs go through:

1. Cutting away and disconnecting the hair follicle from the blood supply

2. Re-implanting the hair follicle back into the scalp

3. Surrounding hairs being affected by incisions and anaesthesia

Understanding that these events are normal during a hair transplant procedure is essential.

Shedding Of Transplanted Hair

Following a hair transplant, the transplanted follicles and attached hairs will remain in their new location for 1-2 weeks. During this period, the follicles will transition into a resting phase, leading to hair shedding. This process, also known as shock loss, can occur as early as ten days after the transplantation and may last up to 12 weeks.

Around the 2-week mark, it is common to observe some shedding of the transplanted hairline.

By the 1-month mark following the surgery, most of the transplanted hair would have been shed, and any redness in the operated area should be minimal. It is important to understand that this shedding process is a natural and expected part of the healing process and should not be mistaken for the scalp rejecting the implanted hairs.

Shedding Of Non-Transplanted Hair

Some patients can experience shedding of non-transplanted hairs after a hair transplant. The risk of shedding these hairs is higher if a patient has many thin or miniaturised follicles located among the newly implanted hairs. Similar to transplanted hairs, these native hairs can also enter a resting phase and shed due to the trauma of surgery.
The shedding of non-transplanted hair, also known as shock loss, can occur as early as two weeks after surgery but may also occur months later. Although rare, this process is typically self-resolving, and all shed hairs should regrow.

Hair Shedding In The Donor Area

In rare cases, patients may experience shock loss in the donor area following a hair transplant. However, this is uncommon, especially when an experienced hair transplant surgeon has operated on the patient. In addition, the shedding of donor hair is typically temporary, and the hair should grow back in due time.

When Will Hair Grow Back After Shock Loss?

Hair grafts commonly shed between 2-12 weeks after surgery, and the hairs should start to regrow within the next 4-12 months. Then, between 12-18 months following the surgery, the regrown hairs should start thickening, leading to an even better result.

Can You Reduce The Risk Of Hair Shedding After Surgery?

There is no scientifically proven way to reduce the risk of shock loss following hair transplant surgery. However, patients can take steps to safeguard against future hair loss by using medications such as Finasteride (for men only) or Minoxidil (for both men and women).

Need help ?

If you require any additional information regarding your hair transplant procedure please leave us your details below and a friendly fully trained telephone representative will give you a call back as soon as possible. All calls are completely confidential.