The hair transplant procedure tackles hair loss by repopulating the area with new hair follicles to grow new hair there. That said, there are very rare cases of hair loss continuing after a hair transplant procedure. The nature of said cases of hair loss varies, but most of them are reversible.
Many hopefuls for hair transplant procedures ask doctors fairly frequently, “Will I lose hair after a hair transplant?” The answer, as already said, is that you might. But this is often the result of another hair loss-causing condition rather than the hair transplant itself.
Shock Loss
After your successful hair transplant procedure, you will remain in a period of rest. The most important part of recovery is in the 10 days. After either 8 to 10 days, the hair of the recently grafted hair follicles will fall out.
Do not be afraid. This is normal and a sign that the hair follicles have successfully taken to the site as expected. This phenomenon receives the name of “shock loss,” and it happens to the hairs as a result of the trauma from the extracting and grafting processes.
The hair sheds only to make room for new hairs. They will sprout out of the hair follicles grafted to repopulate your balding site. Shock loss is a completely necessary step postsurgery. Your surgeon informs you of this during aftercare instructions.
Hair Loss after Hair Transplant
The possibility of experiencing more hair loss after a hair transplant is due to some other conditions. The hair grafts, however, stay in their place growing and are not going to fall out due to any subsequent hair loss.
Continued Effects of Baldness
This is a unique situation when a rather young patient gets a hair transplant to address their early onset of baldness. The new hair follicles are in place, yet since the patients are young, it is possible they have not finished balding yet.
The worst of baldness happens approaching middle age, so young patients that are balding might still have a long way to go. The cases are noticeable because, despite having a solid hairline made up from the grated hair follicles, bald spots can develop behind it.
It is rare, but it happens. Another hair transplant procedure would correct this. To avoid this from happening, only patients over the age of 35 should get a hair transplant, regardless of early balding.
Other Causes of Hair Loss after Hair Transplant
These are a few specific conditions that can lead to hair loss after hair transplant.
- Alopecia areata. This is an autoimmune disease where your immune system attacks your hair, thinking it is a disease. Hair loss is seen in circular spots during it. Controlling the condition leads to reversing hair loss.
- Infections. Fungal or bacterial infections on the scalp lead to inflammation. Inflamed hair follicles shed the hair, often in patches. Oral medications can help fight the condition.
- Traction alopecia. It happens due to sporting tight hairstyles that put continuous tension on the hair. It eventually damages the hair follicle, which will not grow hair anymore. This is permanent, so avoid such hairstyles.
- Hormonal changes. Conditions such as hypothyroidism or hypopituitarism affect hormone levels. They can lead to a notable increase in hair loss due to altering most bodily functions. Controlling the conditions allows keeping the hair in place.
Besides these mentioned, only injuries to the scalp or burns could cause hair loss after hair transplant. Rest assured that your hair transplant results are permanent. Those hair follicles do produce hair for life.