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Hair Sciences Center of Colorado - FAQs
Shock Loss
- What is "shock loss"?
- The medical term for shock loss is effluvium - which literally means shedding. This can occur when grafts are placed in an area, which has hair. There is some trauma and tissue reaction to surgery that can cause the existing hair to be lost.
- It would be very disconcerting to go through a transplant procedure only to have a high number of perfectly good hairs fall out through the process. Is this possible from shock fall out?
- Shock loss usually affects the miniaturized hair nearing the end of its life span due to genetic balding and is most likely to be shed at some point in the near future. Some healthy hair will be shed, but these should re-grow. Shock loss is more common when a large session is performed through thinning hair. We have noticed that this can be minimized by utilizing Rogaine®, before and after such a session.
- On average, how much fallout does occur?
- For most patients, effluvium is not a major issue and should not be a cause for concern. Typically, about 20 percent of patients find their hair looks a little thinner during the several-month period following the transplant, when the transplanted hair is in its latent phase. This ends when the transplanted hair begins to grow. The thinning is often more noticeable to the patient than to others. Shedding is generally noted as a thinning, rather than extensive fallout as the term shock loss erroneously suggests.
- On which variables do the degree of fallout depend?
- In general, the more miniaturization one has (meaning the greater number of hairs one has that are nearing the end of their growth cycle), the more likely will be shedding from surgery. In addition, the number of grafts placed in one surgery and the proximity in which they placed to one another will increase the trauma to surrounding follicles.
- Can anything be done to minimize the effects of post-procedure shedding?
- Yes, and it starts with proper planning. If, at your consultation, you are determined to be at risk for this condition, we will discuss all of the ways to prevent or diminish such shedding. We may prescribe Rogaine® before and after the surgery. We will discuss transplant density requirements and its impact on shedding. And we'll help determine the best course of action for you. Do keep in mind, however, that shedding can occur despite planning and preventive measures. If this is true in your case, we will discuss how to deal with this temporary situation and determine the best follow-up care for further procedures.
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