Had FUE procedure done 23 days ago. Will the shock loss hair on my recipient area grow? Is this likely to be permanent? (photo)

Question

I have noticed that the hairs on two patches on the side of my head are growing slowly in comparison to the rest of my hair. Some hair even looks like it has fallen out completely. The area nearer my temple did not have any hair harvested from it.

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

Shock hair loss after a hair transplant is always a risk.  Unfortunately shock hair loss of genetically susceptible hairs may not grow back.  If it does grow back it may take several months.  Follow up with your doctor for a recheck.

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

Shock loss tends to mirror transplanted hair with regards to regrowth. The trauma of harvest will occasionally trigger a loss response which is temporary and usually resolves in 3-4 months post procedure. This is very rarely permanent.As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon with experience in hair restoration.

Tim Neavin, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your photo.  It appears that you may be experiencing shock loss.  This is generally temporary.  I'd wait 6 weeks and perhaps try PRP if it has not improved.

Sanusi Umar, MD · Answer

It would seem you are describing shock loss or possible shock loss in your donor area (ie where the grafts were taken from) rather than the recipient (where the grafts are placed). It is possible to loose hair by way of shock loss in the donor area after FUE. This is a result of the trauma to the area during the extraction process. There are ways to minimize the chance of it occurring. There is no way to guarantee it does not occur. (Follow the link for more details). Typically it is temporary lasting between 3 and 6 months. It is very rarely permanent.

John Peter Cole, MD · Answer

Shock loss in the donor area following FUE is very uncommon.  I have seen one case from my patients and yes it did recover.  There are many doctors performing FUE today.  I imagine we will see more shock loss over time from FUE.  When shock does occur, it tends to involve the sides of the scalp more than the very back of the scalp.  Some might tell you to try topical minoxidil in the area to promote hair growth.  You might also try WNT-Act.  Over time, shock loss should recover.  If the follicles were damaged due to the method FUE is performed, there is a much greater likelihood that the follicles will not grow back.  Some methods of FUE result in more attempts and misses than attempts with a quality graft.  This can cause permanent loss and permanent damage to the donor area follicles.  It seems to lie in the skill set of the surgeon and the method.  I've seen patients from other clinics with permanent damage to their donor area follicles from FUE.  I suspect that the follicles were damaged during the extraction process.  There is a right way and a wrong way to perform FUE.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

When shock loss occurs in young men, it is often permanent loss. The best prevention for this is finasteride, see below

Cory Torgerson, MD, PhD, FRCSC - Account Suspended · Answer

Yes, the hairs lost by shock loss will grow back after 3-4 months. This is about the same time as the new hairs from the transplant will also start to grow. A PRP treatment is also beneficial for helping the hair to grow faster.

Had FUE procedure done 23 days ago. Will the shock loss hair on my recipient area grow? Is this likely to be permanent? (photo)

Answers (7)

More FUE Hair Transplant Questions

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Answers (7)

More FUE Hair Transplant Questions

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