Hair Shedding After Transplant: What to Expect

In this day and age, you are not alone in the hair loss journey. But you should know that there are solutions available that can completely change the way your hair looks and feels. Have you heard of hair transplantation methods? It is the most effective way to fight your hair loss. If you are interested in exploring detailed insights, you can learn more about hair transplant in Delhi. During the hair treatment, your hair follicles are moved from one part of the area to another, generally the back or sides of your scalp. 

More and more people like you are seeking hair transplantation methods, and it restores your hair perfectly. There are many hair transplantation clinics that offer services nowadays, but you need to understand the method. There are primarily two techniques available in hair transplantation:

• Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) method. (about 62.2% of people use this method)
• Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) method (about 31.5% use this method, as per ISHRS)

Through this blog, we will get to learn about the hair loss recovery process and what are the after-transplantation processes involved. Understanding the factors that lead to hair transplant failure can help manage expectations during this phase.

What are the FUT and FUE Transplantation Methods?

In layman’s terms, the FUT hair transplantation method is a process of removing a part of the hair strip of your scalp. It is basically removed from your donor area, which is then divided into individual follicular units, and then finally transplanted to the recipient area of your hairless part. The method can transplant a huge number of grafts in one session, but the results leave a slight scar at your donor site.

The FUE process, however, involves careful extraction of your hair follicles from the donor area using a tiny medical punch tool. Remember, the method generally leaves a tiny scar but recovers quickly. It can take multiple sessions to get the perfect hair density.

Do you know why Your Hair Sheds Post Hair Transplantation?

It is quite common for hair to fall off after the transplant procedure. loss In after most transplant cases, is hair also referred to as shock loss. Shock loss is one type of hair loss which is a shedding phase. You should know that the hair follicles you have planted will go through a phase called telogen that is the resting phase before they start the anagen that is the growth phase. Understand the reasons behind hair loss after a transplant and how to address them.

Why does this usually happen? Let us see:

It is quite normal for hair to fall off after the transplant procedure. In most cases, hair loss after transplant is also referred to as shock loss. Shock loss is one type of hair loss which is a shedding phase. You should know that the hair follicles. You have planted will go through a phase called telogen. That is the resting phase before they start the anagen that is the growth phase. Additionally, if you are using medications like Minoxidil post-transplant, you can learn more about Minoxidil side effects to ensure safe usage.

• Due to Scalp Injury: The transplantation surgical procedure can cause temporary injury. The transplantation surgical procedure can cause temporary injury leading to your scalp damage or hair shedding.
• Due to Hair Cycle Disruption: Your hair transplantation process damages your normal hair growth cycle rate. 
• Due to Low Body Immune Response: Your body’s low immune response can damage and cause your hair to start shedding in a larger way. This happens post-transplantation. 

What are the Stages of Hair Shedding Post Transplantation?

Generally, your hair shredding goes through multiple stages of shredding post-hair transplantation. Here are the stages: 

Immediate Hair Shedding

The hair starts shedding immediately after hair transplantation. After the transplant, your hair follicles rest and shed their shafts within weeks. This is also commonly referred to as shock loss and is a normal reaction to injury post-surgery. 

Delayed Hair Shredding

After a few months post-transplant, many patients may shed again as the new hair grows. This shedding is normal. It means your hair follicles are starting a new growth phase. 

Hair Shredding & Regrowth Timeline

It is necessary to understand the timeline and regrowth of hair. This can help you manage your recovery and care phase. To dive deeper into the recovery and regrowth process, Curious about the timeline for visible hair transplant results? Read this guide.

• First Month: Your hair starts shedding typically within the first few weeks post-surgery.
• Between the Second & Third Months: Hair shedding continues, and the scalp may look similar to the pre-transplant phase.
• Between the Fourth & Sixth Months: Your new hair grows and starts appearing.
• After a Year: You will start noticing improvements in hair density and overall coverage.

Symptoms & Signs of Hair Shedding

Normal Hair Shedding

Usually, after the hair transplantation, shedding up to 100 hairs per day can happen. This is normal as the follicles adjust to the new hair growth process. 

Abnormal Hair Shedding

If the hair shedding exceeds a certain amount or may continue for a longer period then it could be an issue. If excessive shedding happens, consulting your surgeon is the best way forward. You can also explore common reasons for hair loss after hair transplant to better understand the underlying causes.

Signs of Successful Hair Growth

Your new hair growth will typically start within 3 to 4 months post-transplantation. Initially, your hair may look fine & lighter in color but gradually becomes darker and thicker. 

Risk Factors Involved in Hair Shredding & Regrowth

1. Biological Factors:

• Hair Growth Cycle: Any natural hair growth cycle includes phases of rest (telogen), shedding (catagen), and growth (anagen). The transplanted follicles go through all these phases, which are initially shed hair before new hair starts growing. 
• Shock Loss: Shock loss happens when the injury from surgery causes temporary hair loss. Both transplanted and existing hairs can start to shed temporarily, and hair starts growing within a few months.

2. Environmental Factors:

• Your Dietary Intake: If you are a person with nutritional deficiencies, your hair growth may be impacted. Your balanced diet should be rich in vitamins and minerals. A good dietary plan can help your hair become strong. Explore the best foods and diet for optimal hair transplant recovery. 
• Your Stress Levels: You will have to regularly manage your stress and anxiety levels. These can actively increase your hair shredding and lower your hair’s growth rate. We recommend keeping your lifestyle healthy and active. This reduces stress and anxiety levels in you. 

3. Lifestyle Factors:

• Hair Care Practices: Post transplantation, gentle hair care is essential. You should try avoiding chemical treatments and excessive heat usage on your hair.
• Your Smoking and Alcohol Consumption Habits: If you are a hardcore smoker and alcohol consumer, then you can spoil blood circulation, which affects your hair growth. You may consider reducing or totally stopping your alcohol consumption and smoking. 

Addressing Specific Hair Shedding Concerns After Hair Transplant

Transplanted Hair Falling Out After 6 Months

At six months after the transplant, shedding is expected to be at its lowest. This phase can be considered as the beginning of the process of hair growth. If you are experiencing hair fall in large quantities it is advisable to seek the advice of your surgeon. Such factors as; poor after care, nutritional deficiency or stress related factors may lead to hair loss.

Hair Shedding After 1 Week

The shedding that happens in the first week is a normal process that happens as a part of the healing. This is commonly referred to as shock loss in which the hair shafts that were transplanted fall off as the follicles get ready for new growth. This phase is therefore transient thus do not worry.

No Shedding After Hair Transplant

It is also claimed that sometimes patients do not experience shedding of hair after a hair transplant. Although this may seem too good to be true, it may suggest that the follicular activity is slower than expected. If you do not see any shedding or new hair after a few months, then it is advisable to consult with the doctor and get an assessment.

Hair Transplant Shedding After 8 Months

Some patients report some shedding at around the eighth month. This is quite normal as hair follicles can go through a cycle where they shed off before thickening. Make sure that you stick to a healthy diet and the recommended post-treatment routines to ensure that the process is effective.

Hair Falling Out After 1–3 Years

Hair transplant is a procedure which results in the placement of hair that is supposed to there be are permanent many but factors that can lead to hair shedding even after many years. If you notice that you are contact losing your hair doctor. profusely Some within of one the to possible three solutions years that after may the be treatment, recommended it to is help advised in that maintaining you the results include the PRP therapy or the use of medications.

Shock Loss After Hair Transplant

Shock loss is a type of shedding phase which can occur in both transplanted and native hair. This can be quite a shocking sight to see hair falling off, but this is quite normal during the recovery period. Both the transplanted and the natural hair can fall off due to the surgical trauma. But these hairs will regrow in due course after the new environment has been adapted by the follicles. It can be useful to look at photos of shock loss results or talk to your doctor to help set appropriate expectations in this period.

What are the Diagnostics and Tests Involved in Hair Transplantations?

1. Starts with a Physical Examination: Your consulted surgeon or professionals will start with a thorough examination of the scalp to assess the condition of your hair and follicles. 
2. Scalp Biopsy: Any underlying scalp conditions that affect your hair growth are diagnosed through scalp biopsy.
3. Blood Tests: In almost every surgical or medical operation, your blood tests are taken to know any nutritional or hormonal imbalances risk you may possess to hair growth. 
4. Tracheoscopy: Then a Tracheoscopy is done, which is also a non-invasive imaging technique. It helps your surgeons and dermatologists examine the condition of your hair and scalp. 

What are the Treatments Available for Your Hair Loss?

1. Medications

• • Minoxidil: Minoxidil is a medicine for your hair to grow, and it can also prevent excessive hair fall. It is often used post-transplant for your hair.
  • Finasteride: Finasteride is an oral medicine that you can take to reduce the production of Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which causes hair loss. This medicine is often taken post-transplantation of your hair.

2. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy:

If you opt for this therapy, then the process starts with injecting platelets from your blood. This helps your scalp heal and your hair grow. This therapy can enhance your hair growth and success rate after hair transplant. 

3. Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT):

If you go for LLLT, then the method uses a red light to stir the hair follicles and improve your hair density levels. It is a non-invasive treatment and helps your hair grow in a proper manner. 

4. Nutritional Supplements:

If your body is laced with supplements like biotin and zinc, then your hair growth and scalp health improve.

How Can You Take Preventive Measures?

• Pre-Transplant Preparation: A healthy diet and avoiding smoking and alcohol before hair transplantation can improve the outcome of the surgery.

• Post-Transplant Care: You should follow your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions in a defined manner. This will help your hair heal and grow better. For example, gentle washing, avoiding sun exposure, and no excessive scalp scratching.

• Stress Management Techniques: We recommend you practice stress management techniques. These include yoga, thoughtfulness, meditation, and regular exercise to support hair growth.

After Care Tips to Avoid Hair Shedding

1. Proper Washing: You should avoid harsh shampoos and hot water. Instead, use mild shampoos. Learn about the best aftercare practices for successful hair transplant recovery.
2. You can Avoid Heat and Chemicals: In general, you should try to reduce the usage of hair dryers, hair straighteners, and chemical treatments for your fragile hair.
3. You should regularly go for Check-ups: You should regularly consult your surgeon and go for Regular Check-ups. Find the maintenance tips to ensure long-lasting transplanted hair after the shedding phase.

Conclusion

From the above, you can clearly figure out that hair shedding after a hair transplant could be a cumbersome process, but it is a normal part of the recovery process. You should thoroughly know the causes involved, the recovery timeline, and ways to manage overall shedding and growth. It can help you assess the hair recovery phases with confidence. You need to keep patience, do proper care, and follow surgeons’ instructions to keep healthy hair. 

Are you one of those facing hair loss problems? Consult a qualified surgeon today.

References:

1. Bernstein Medical – Center for Hair Restoration. Shedding After Hair Transplant Effluvium. Retrieved from https://www.bernsteinmedical.com/hair-transplant/basics/shedding-after-transplant
2. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Localized Telogen Effluvium Following Hair Transplantation. Retrieved from https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622%2815%2900591-5/fulltext
3. Springer Nature. Summary of Best Evidence for Perioperative Management Practices in Hair Transplantation Patients. Retrieved from https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00266-024-04360-z
4. Springer Nature. Androgenetic Alopecia: An Evidence-Based Treatment Update. Retrieved from https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40257-014-0077-5
5. Thieme Medical Publishers. Complications of Hair Transplant Procedures: Causes and Management. Retrieved from https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/pdf/10.1055/s-0041-1739255.pdf