Preventing Shock Loss After A Hair Transplant

It is common knowledge that surgical hair restoration can cause a phenomenon called telogen effluvium (shock loss). This has prevented many hair loss sufferers from undergoing hair transplant surgery. But the question on everyone’s mind is can shock loss be prevented?  In this article, we will be discussing the possibility of preventing shock loss.

What is shock loss?

Shock loss is a form of short-term hair loss that can occur after a surgical procedure. Telogen effluvium (shock loss) is described as a chronic hair shedding for an extended period of time generally lasting three to six months.

How does this relate to hair transplantation? Simple, hair restoration surgery causes shock loss because hairs are implanted in close proximity to surrounding native hairs. Consequently, causing trauma to the surrounding follicles which are prematurely shed and put in to the telogen (resting) phase.  Every person has around 5-10% of their hair in the telogen or resting phase at any given time. However, with shock loss a significant amount of hair follicles enter the telogen (resting) phase all at once causing a massive hair shed. This temporarily creates the appearance of thinning hair.

Can it be be prevented?

Now that we know what shock loss is and how it can occur from surgical hair restoration, the question is, can it be be prevented? Well, no not necessarily, because there isn’t anything a patient can do or take prior to a hair transplant that will prevent shock loss completely. However, there are some treatments that can reduce the risk and speed-up the recovery of telogen effluvium (shock loss).  According to recommended hair transplant surgeons all over the world, the treatment includes the following: 

• Propecia (finasteride)
• Rogaine (minoxidil) 
• low level laser therapy (LLLT)

With that said, shock loss generally resolves on its own without any treatment.

Fortunately, shock loss is a temporary condition that resolves on its own without any medication or treatment. In most cases, all of the hair returns and the normal hair life cycle continues as usual. However, the aforementioned treatments can ensure the telogen effluvium (shock loss) is not permanent and can possibly even kick-start the anagen (growth) phase of the lost hair follicles. Thus, significantly reducing the “ugly duckling” stage. The “ugly duckling” stage refers to the stage when all of the transplanted hair has shed along with some minor shock loss. Unfortunately, some patients may look worse before they look better.