Is it normal to have hair shock loss 2 months after hair transplant and in areas far away from donor and recipient area?

Question

I had a hair transplant two months ago, around 1700 grafts mainly in temples and frontal area (FUT method). Now I am noticing fast and sudden thinning of my vertex and crown area, although I am on dutesteride and minoxidil. Could this be hair shock loss this far away from the donor and recepient area?

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

You are unlikely to have shock loss in areas far from the donor or recipient area. However, there are variations of formulations and patterns that can occur particularly on the skin of aforementioned areas. 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

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is possible to have shock loss 2 months after your procedure. I suggest that you consult with your board certified facial plastic surgeon.Best wishes,

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

It may be normal to have shock hair loss weeks to months after surgery.  If you are concerned it is best to follow up with your doctor.

William Woessner, MD · Answer

Yes... In my opinion it is most likely shock hair loss. Just be certain your thyroid gland is functioning normally and that you are eating a normal nutritional diet. Also check your iron levels to be certain that is normal. If nothing has changed in your lab values (no drastic weight loss, etc), then you should expect the the shock loss loss hair to regrow in 3 to 4 months. Be aware though that some of these hairs could have already begun to miniaturize and those (natural hair loss androgenic alopecia) hairs may not regenerate.

Alba Reyes, MD · Answer

Yes for sure this an happen. it is transitory hair loss and will recuperate by itself in the next momths.

Is it normal to have hair shock loss 2 months after hair transplant and in areas far away from donor and recipient area?

Answers (7)

Answer: S it normal to have hair shock loss 2 months after hair transplant and in areas far away from donor and recipient area?

Answer: S it normal to have hair shock loss 2 months after hair transplant and in areas far away from donor and recipient area?

Answer: Dr Alba Reyes

Answer: Dr Alba Reyes

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Everything you need to know about FUE Hair Transplant

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Is it normal to have hair shock loss 2 months after hair transplant and in areas far away from donor and recipient area?

Answers (7)

Answer: S it normal to have hair shock loss 2 months after hair transplant and in areas far away from donor and recipient area?

Answer: S it normal to have hair shock loss 2 months after hair transplant and in areas far away from donor and recipient area?

Answer: Dr Alba Reyes

Answer: Dr Alba Reyes

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about FUE Hair Transplant

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