While FUE and PUE™ procedures both deliver a fairly quick recovery time, patients can still expect to experience some hair loss in the first couple of months after their hair transplant surgery.
Hair loss after a hair transplant, otherwise known as shock loss, is a completely normal part of the recovery process. It does not signify that the procedure hasn’t worked—quite the opposite—it simply means that the hair is preparing to enter a new phase of growth.
Keep reading to learn more about what to expect from shock loss during recovery.
What is Shock Loss?
Shock loss is a natural phenomenon that occurs after hair goes through trauma. It is a normal and expected part of recovery after a hair transplant. The experience of shock loss does not mean that the procedure hasn’t worked. In fact, shock loss is usually a sign that your hairs are on their way to healthy growth.
Many patients ask us how to avoid shock loss, but unfortunately, this is not possible. There are 3 stages in the hair cycle—growth, rest, and shedding. When hair follicles go into shock, such as during a hair transplant, they enter the resting phase. Once in the resting phase, the only way to return to the growth phase is to shed the hair entirely.
Shock loss may also happen to your natural hairs in the area surrounding the transplanted hair grafts. This is because those hairs are also put under stress and being affected by the surrounding inflammation. The good news is that shock loss is temporary.
How Long Does Shock Loss Last?
Shock loss usually starts within a few days to a few weeks after your hair transplant procedure. Most commonly, shock loss occurs between week 2 and week 8 post-procedure.
This shedding phase looks fairly natural and can be concealed by the existing hair on the rest of your head. If you’re concerned about what your hair will look like during this phase, talk to our doctors during you’re consultation. We can show you photos of shock loss and further explain what you can expect during this time.
When Does Hair Start Growing After Shock Loss?
After the hair sheds, it will begin to grow back naturally within 2 to 6 months. During this time of shedding, your scalp will look fairly normal. In fact, you’ll likely look similar to the way you did before your hair transplant procedure.
We understand that it can be frustrating to wait for results, but this stage is crucial in ensuring your hair continues to grow naturally after your recovery.
Schedule a Consultation
If you’d like to learn more about your options for hair transplantation, turn to the hair specialists at Northwestern Specialists in Plastic Surgery. Our doctors are committed to patient education, and it’s our goal to answer every question and address every concern prior to your procedure. That way you can feel totally confident and excited for the road ahead.
Call us today at (312) 266-6240 to set up an appointment.