I Had a Hair Transplant and All My Transplanted Hair Fell Out - Any Ideas as to Why?

These questions were posed directly to Dr. Ken Siporin of Beverly Hills, CA who is one of our recommended hair restoration physicians by a hair loss sufferer seeking hair transplantation as a means to regrow hair. His professional answer is below.

I read in this month’s advocate that you do hair transplant surgery. I have had 2 prior hair restoration procedures about 3 years ago and last year all the hair fell out for no reason. Since they have no idea why, I really do not think it is a great idea to continue having additional hair replacement surgeries. I have taken Rogaine (minoxidil) and Propecia (finasteride) for over 5 years now and am still trying to get my transplanted hair back…any ideas?

First of all, I am sorry to hear you have gone through a bad experience with your hair restoration procedures, and having traveled that road myself, I can understand how you feel. Having said that, I am sure my sympathy alone will not make you feel better, and I hope I can be of some assistance to you. First of all, I really need a little bit more history from you. When exactly were your hair transplants, how many follicular unit grafts were placed, and do you have any medical conditions or any previous surgeries? Are you taking any medications?

It is very unusual to have all of the hair from hair transplantation fall out suddenly, so I would like to know the timing of your hair replacement surgery, in relation to the hair loss. Also, how did you notice the hair falling out? Did you notice it in the shower, on your pillow, or on your comb? Did it actually all happen at once, or did it happen gradually? Do you have any other symptoms such as fevers, chills, rash, anything you can think of? Lastly, have you recently started any new medications or supplements, or are you undergoing any form of stress? Have you had any other medical illnesses during this time. or had any other type of surgery?

Please answer these questions, and then we can proceed a little further, to see if there is something we can pinpoint as the cause for your problem.

If you have before and after photos, send them and I will review them.

Best of Luck,

Kenneth D. Siporin, M.D., F.A.C.S.

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Bill - aka Falceros
Associate Publisher of the Hair Transplant Network and the Hair Loss Learning Center
View my Hair Loss Weblog

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