Hair shock loss after hairline lowering is the same that can occur after hair transplantation? (photos)

Question

I am a female that has always had a big forehead but I am too afraid of permanent shock loss after hairline lowering, so I've started researching hair transplantation and I soon found out that the risk it also exist in this procedure, could anybody tell me which of both procedures is less risky in therms of hair loss? Because if it is the same I think hairline lowering is better for what my goals are, also because I have a lot of skin in my forehead and quite low brows.

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Yes, trauma to the hair, tension and having a bad environment can cause shock loss. Shock loss is due to the loss of normal hair whether it is from donor site or recipient area.  It can occur with both FUE and strip procedures.  Usually if it occurs it will take place in the recipient area.  
Shock loss from hair transplant can occur due to the following:
Anesthesia-  excessively long procedures taking longer than 12 hours can induce shock loss more likely.  the repeated use of lidocaine, marcaine, and perhaps most importantly epinephrine can affect nourishment of the hairTraumatic harvest-  In strip surgery, traumatic harvest can induce shock loss.  Recipient area trauma- during the incision making process the hairs are either crushed or cut and damaged during the process. Ways to minimize shock loss are as follows:
Improve recipient bed and donor area environment.  Make your recipient environment improved by addition of growth factors and/or PRP to help reduce incidence of shock loss to native hairs.Use of Rogaine and Propecia- can help miniaturized hair become more stable and less likely to fall out during procedure9xRobotArtas-  The latest version of the robot can make recipient sites and can determine angle of existing hair and help ensure that the angle will not damage existing hair.  Especially helpful in patients where you are transplanting hair to create densityMinimize anesthesia time and procedure time- We limit number of grafts to a safe number per session.  Extended anesthesia periods and harvest times can cause patients to have a higher chance of shock loss.  The 9x Robot harvests between 1000-1500 grafts per hour making it superior to previous additions and traditional FUE approaches.Best, 
Anil Shah

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

There are risks in everything you do in life. Shock hair loss is a risk of both forehead reduction and hair transplant surgery.  Your doctor can explain these risks and you can outweigh the risks with the benefits after you explain your specific goals to your doctor.  Sometimes your goals may be unrealistic or too aggressive.  This may lead to a greater risk of shock hair loss.

Ryan Welter, MD · Answer

Yes it is true that you can experience shock loss after both transplant and with lowering of the hairline.  However, I have found that shock loss is greatly reduced with the use of growth factors before or during the surgery.

Jennifer Krejci, MD · Answer

Both procedures can lead to shock loss and by definition, shock loss is temporary not permanent and it can take a year or more to recover completely from shock loss.  However, if you undergo hair transplant primarily in front of your natural hair line, there is very little hair that should be "shocked" by the procedure. Shock loss more commonly occurs when there is trauma in and among existing hairs. I have to disclose to you that I am biased because I don't perform hairline lowering procedures only hair transplants. But in my opinion, the benefit to you for a hair transplant is that it will not create a scar along your frontal hairline and it will not leave numbness of the scalp. You may consider a brow lift that need much small scars to raise the brows and then transplantation to lower the hairline. Ultimately, finding a reputable surgeon who is able to discuss all the different options with their risks and benefits will help you make the right decision.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

Yes, you can have shock loss after a hairline lowering procedure. Shedding
after any procedure is a real possibility. You need to go back to your doctor and ask your doctor about this problem. It does happen.

Hair shock loss after hairline lowering is the same that can occur after hair transplantation? (photos)

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Answer: Hair Transplant vs. Hairline lowering and shock loss

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Hair shock loss after hairline lowering is the same that can occur after hair transplantation? (photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: Hair Transplant vs. Hairline lowering and shock loss

Answer: Hair Transplant vs. Hairline lowering and shock loss

Answer: Do I have shock loss

Answer: Do I have shock loss

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Everything you need to know about Hair Transplant

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.