Why is my hair falling out after a facelift?

Question

I want to rephrase a question I had previously asked. So I decided to have my roots dyed the night before my facelift so I wouldn't have to deal with it for a while. Now, the next day, my hair seems to be all breaking off. Could this be from the anesthesia or any solutions that were used? Can this be because I dyed it so close to surgery? My doc said he did have to cut some of my hair near the incision sites, but it seems to be breaking all over/falling out. Help!

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

Unless the hair dye caused the problem it is most likely caused by stress or anesthesia, but it is usually only temporary. Follow your surgeons post operative instructions. Good luck.

Amir Nakhdjevani, MBBS, MRCS, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Thank you for your question.  The Anesthesia could be a trigger or stress / shock due to the trauma can cause hair loss, this is only temporary.  All The Best

Jon E. Mendelsohn, MD, FACS · Answer

Telogen Effluvium is a condition (type of hair loss) that can sometimes happen after stress/ shock, or a traumatic event like surgery. I have only seen this happen when a heavier anesthesia is used. I have not seen this with the local anesthesia that I use with my Advanced Lifts.
The good news is that this is usually a temporary event and the hair should grow back. Laser Cap treatments will expedite the regrowth process by nourishing the follicles with more blood. 
I would advise talking with your MD and let them examine and try and determine what is happening etc....

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

Hair loss can result from anesthesia or stress. I personally do not cut the hair because, if any loss ensues, this will make it even more obvious.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

Anesthesia and stress can cause hair loss.  This is usually temporary.  I would use good hair products that promote growth, as well a Rogaine.

Why is my hair falling out after a facelift?

Answers (5)