When Does Hair Loss Start After Hair Transplantation?

Hair transplantation, which is the most effective method in eliminating the problem of baldness, which is one of the common problems of both women and men, has an important role in increasing the self-confidence of people and making them feel happier. 

It is considered to be the most effective and permanent method that can be applied to restore lost hair follicles due to various reasons. Hair transplantation, which is preferred for the destruction of hair follicles due to hereditary or external factors and the permanent resolution of baldness as a result, is known as a microsurgical intervention that has been applied since the 90s. 

During hair transplantation, hair follicle bundles, also known as follicular units, are taken from the nape area behind the two ears, in other words from the donor area, and transplanted to the desired area to grow hair. In hair transplantation, which is a complicated procedure, the most important points are to ensure that the transplanted hair looks natural and not to damage the donor area. For this reason, hair transplantation procedures must be performed by experts and experienced doctors and teams.

What is Hair Follicle?

The structure containing the bottom part of the hair, which is embedded in the fat tissue in the skull and surrounded by hair-producing cells, is called the hair follicle. The graft is a structure that is extracted from the scalp where the hair follicles are located, and each of them contains 1 to 4 hair follicles. Within the scope of hair transplantation, the grafts taken from the donor area are prepared for the area where the transplantation will be performed. How many grafts are needed before the hair transplant procedure is determined on a case-by-case basis. The grafts used in the hair transplantation process are usually taken from the nape area, and the grafts differ in size, shape and number of roots.

Whom Hair Transplantation is Applied to?

People who have sufficient hair follicles in the donor area, that is, in the nape area between the two ears, are considered suitable candidates for hair transplantation. Hair transplantation cannot be performed on people who do not have enough hair follicles to cover the area where hair transplantation will be performed in the donor areas. The reason for this is that in cases where the area opening is more than the amount that can be taken from the donor area, hair transplantation is insufficient and a good appearance cannot be obtained.

What is a Shock Hair Loss?

Shock hair loss can be defined as the temporary loss of hair strands on the hair follicles transplanted to the areas with hair loss after the hair transplant operation. This natural process after each transplant operation should not cause anxiety and disappointment in the person.

After hair transplantation, hair loss, namely shock hair loss, is usually seen within 1-3 months after the hair transplantation procedure. Although it may vary from person to person, it is usually completed within 2 weeks. Hair loss experienced after hair transplantation is a natural and temporary condition. About 1-2 months after the end of the shock hair loss process, the person’s new hair starts to grow.

After hair transplantation, the shock hair loss process is experienced once. After the shock hair loss, the transplanted hair follicles do not lose again or the hair does not become sparse again. The reason why the nape is used as a donor area in hair transplantation is that the hair in this area is not affected by hair loss caused by male hormone. For this reason, the hair follicles taken from the nape continue to maintain their resistance against hair loss after the hair transplantation process.

Does Anyone Who Have A Hair Transplant Experience Shock Hair Loss?

Most of the people who have undergone hair transplantation experience the shock hair loss process. Shock hair loss can be seen at a rate of 10% in some people and 90% in some people. The severity of the hair loss may vary from person to person, and some people do not experience any shock hair loss. Shock hair loss, which is a temporary hair loss, should not be considered as a failure of the hair transplant procedure. On the contrary, it should be considered as a sign of high quality and new hair growth. 

In order to overcome the shock hair loss process comfortably and to guarantee the healthy growth of new hair, certain points should be treated meticulously during this process. In the early period following the operation and during the shock hair loss process, a healthy nutrition program should be applied in which foods rich in nutritional value are consumed. Consumed foods are effective in fortifying the vitamins and proteins that both the body and the hair need. Thus, it can be ensured that the new hair follicles to be produced are of high quality and healthy.

After hair transplantation, the person should take care not to dehydrate his body. Consumption of sufficient amount of water is very important in terms of ensuring that the transplanted follicles are fed more easily.

After the hair transplantation procedures, the necessary care should be provided for both the donor area and the transplanted area by using lotions and shampoos recommended by the doctor. Smoking, alcohol and caffeine consumption, which can create negative conditions for hair health, should be stopped and at least limited. Smoking, alcohol and caffeine may cause sensitization of the roots trying to adapt to their new places and adversely affect the outcome of the operation.

After hair transplantation, it is not recommended for the patient to get very tired and sweat in the head area. Since this may cause damage to the sensitive hair follicles, heavy sports should be avoided for a certain period of time.