“Shock loss” from hair transplantation into areas of thinning hair?

This question, from a member of our [tag]hair loss[/tag] social community and discussion forums, was answered by a staff physician from Coalition [tag]hair transplant[/tag] clinic Shapiro Medical:

I want to fix my thinning hair with [tag]hair transplant[/tag] surgery. However, I’ve heard transplanting into thinning areas (opposed to completely bald scalp) can cause my native (non-transplanted) hair to fall out or undergo “[tag]shock loss[/tag].” Is this true? Is shock loss permanent? Am I still a transplant candidate?

Patients usually get transplants for one of two reasons. Some have very thin or bald areas and transplant into those areas to replace what they have lost. Others, like yourself have thinning, but may still be able to somewhat conceal that loss with existing hair. The latter will get a transplant because they don’t want to be completely bald before they do anything about their hair loss. Both types are great candidates for surgery. The only issue with patients like yourself with native hair still in the area that is to be worked on, is that it is indeed more sensitive to “shock loss.” Thankfully men seem less sensitive to this phenomenon than women and rarely lose a large amount of hair. This shock loss usually resolves after a few months and grows back with your transplanted hair. Some of the finer hairs that were already on their way out may not return, but in the end, they most likely did not impact the overall density anyway.

The [tag]hair transplant surgeon[/tag]’s technique can play a part in the occurrence of shock loss. It may also be helpful to use [tag]minoxidil[/tag] ([tag]Rogaine[/tag]) and/or [tag]finasteride[/tag] ([tag]Propecia[/tag]) pre and post operatively  After all of this, you may still experience it, and it may just be something you have to be prepared for.  Also, remember that people can experience side effects from these medications. Especially finasteride. If you want to start these medications to help prevent shock loss, I recommend seeing a hair transplant doc and getting their advice on the “pros and cons.”

-Shapiro Medical 
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Blake Bloxham – formerly “Future_HT_Doc”

Editorial Assistant and Forum Co-Moderator for the Hair Transplant Network, the Hair Loss Learning

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