Hair loss is a natural function of the body. People who are considering getting a hair transplant are often concerned about the possibility of both newly transplanted hair and existing hair falling out after the procedure. Hair loss is a common problem among both men and women. While male pattern baldness is more common in men, women typically experience thinning hair and a receding hairline. It is normal for healthy individuals to experience 50-100 strands of hair loss per day, but this number can increase significantly in unhealthy conditions. Stress, hormonal imbalances, vitamin and iron deficiencies, and circulation problems can cause hair loss to increase.
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Genetic predisposition also plays a role in hair loss. However, it is important to understand the difference between normal hair loss and the shedding of transplanted hairs.
In men, the hair at the back of the head and the temples is the most resistant to hair loss and retains its strength as they age. For this reason, hair is typically taken from the back of the head or near the nape of the neck and transplanted to bald or thinning areas on the front of the head. If the procedure is performed by experienced hands and with the correct technique, these transplanted hairs will continue to exist for a lifetime without shedding.
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Is Hair Loss Normal After a Hair Transplant?
Yes, hair loss after a hair transplant is normal and expected. This is a natural side effect of the procedure and can cause concern for many individuals. Patients should be aware of the medical condition known as shock loss, which is sudden hair loss that occurs after the surgery.
Shock loss is a temporary condition that occurs in most patients within the first 5 weeks after the surgery and is a normal part of the healing process of a hair transplant. It should not be a cause for concern as it is related to the process of hair follicles adapting to a new environment.
Since the transplanted hair follicles have been relocated to a new site, the body can activate its defense mechanisms against foreign substances during this process. This can cause the transplanted hair follicles to shed temporarily from the scalp. However, new and healthy hair will grow from the roots, achieving the desired results of the operation.
Why Do Existing Hairs Fall Out After Hair Transplant? What Is the Cause of Shock Loss?
The reasons for shock hair loss are a traumatic experience to which the body responds as a stress reaction. Examples of such experiences include:
- Stress following surgical intervention on the scalp
- Inadequate nutrient and oxygen supply to hair follicles
- Natural process of hair follicle self-renewal following injury during the procedure
- The effects of medications used after hair transplantation
- Hair loss due to irritation that may occur in the hair follicles as a result of the shampoos used after the operation.
The amount of shock hair loss is closely related to the hair transplantation technique, the number and quantity of implanted hair follicles, the thickness of the person’s scalp, and the surgical technique and skills of the surgeon, and can increase or decrease accordingly.
Although the duration of shock hair loss varies from person to person, it usually resolves spontaneously within 2-3 weeks.
It may take up to a year for the transplanted hair to reach its normal and final state. Achieving good results requires patience. This period can be longer or shorter depending on both the surgeon who performed the operation and the patient. During this process, it is important for individuals to follow the care and medication recommendations provided by their doctor.
How to Protect Hair After Hair Transplant?
Be careful in the first days to protect the transplanted hair. After hair transplant surgery, it is important to take care of the healing of the scalp and the healthy growth of the hair follicles. In the first few days, you should move slowly and gently without irritating the scalp. You can also use a pillow to prevent swelling that may occur after the operation.
Keeping the transplanted area clean is important for healthy hair growth. After the operation, you can clean the area as recommended by your doctor. You can use specially designed shampoos to clean the area.
After the operation, it is beneficial to use the medications prescribed by your doctor properly. Your doctor may recommend painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve swelling and pain that you may experience after the procedure. It is recommended to use them.
After hair transplant, it is advisable not to do sports for at least 14 days. If you want to do sports, talk to your doctor to learn when you can start.
Do not use gel, dye, or hair dryer after the operation. Also, maintaining a healthy diet, avoiding smoking and alcohol, and living a stress-free life can make it easier to achieve good results and shorten the recovery time.
