Can Other Surgeries Negatively Impact Hair Growth after a Hair Transplant?

This question, asked by a member of our Hair Loss Social Community and Discussion Forums, was answered by Coalition hair transplant surgeon Dr. Cam Simmons:

My [tag]hair loss[/tag] started after major surgery to my leg; I was told by a doctor that trauma can kick [tag]male pattern balding[/tag] into effect. I was just wondering about the time frame in which major surgery would jeopardize the survivability of transplanted grafts?

Trauma or a major surgery can cause a temporary shedding called [tag]Telogen Effluvium[/tag] (TE). Hair that is already weakened by pre-existing [tag]Androgenic Alopecia[/tag] (AGA) may not grow back after a bout of TE. For example, many women notice excessive shedding a couple of months after they deliver a baby and their hair gets thinner. Most women find their hair grows back 6 to 12 months later. Women with [tag]female pattern balding[/tag] who have a bout of TE often don’t get a full recovery. Some women with genetic [tag]balding[/tag] find they have a step-wise worsening of their AGA after each pregnancy.

I have not met or examined you but if you have AGA (MPB), you have had the genes all along. The trauma could have led to a bout of TE, which in turn uncovered your MPB.

Whether it is 3 weeks or 6 months after your [tag]hair transplant[/tag], the grafts should be established and should not be directly affected by a big surgery. At 3 weeks your grafts will be resting and at 6 months you would have seen some early growth. Most people who have a knee replacement will not get Telogen Effluvium but it is possible to get TE a couple of months after your surgery. If you shed transplanted hair (that came from a safe donor area) it will grow back. If you shed AGA – sensitive hair, most of it will grow back but the weakest hair may not. Medical treatment with [tag]Propecia[/tag] ([tag]finasteride[/tag]) and [tag]Rogaine[/tag] ([tag]minoxidil[/tag]) may have a protective effect for your native hair.

I hope this helps. Ultimately, you should discuss the timing of your [tag] hair restoration[/tag] surgery and knee replacement with the doctors who will be performing the procedures because they will be taking responsibility for the outcome.

Cam Simmons MD ABHRS
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David – aka TakingThePlunge
Forum Co-Moderator and Editorial Assistant for the Hair Transplant Network, the Hair Loss Learning Center, the Hair Loss Q&A Blog, and the Hair Restoration Forum

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