Some people may experience hair loss after a hair transplant, including the transplanted hair. This continues for a long period that may reach several weeks. Some people believe that this indicates hair transplant failure, but the good news is that hair loss after transplantation is normal and occurs in everyone who has undergone a hair transplant procedure.
In this article, we will discuss shedding after hair transplantation, as well as the causes of hair loss one year after transplantation.
What are hair follicles?
A hair follicle is a small tube-like structure that contains the root and shaft of a hair. It is found in the upper layers of your skin. At birth, the human body contains over 5 million hair follicles, with more than a million of them concentrated on the scalp alone. Throughout life, hair continues to grow from these follicles.
Unlike most of our body, hair follicles are champions of regeneration. They have the remarkable ability to shut down and restart their function, undergoing cycles of degeneration and regrowth. This unique characteristic is essential for the continuous hair growth we experience throughout our lives.
Also know: Hair loss after transplantation Is it normal?
Why does hair fall out after transplantation?
It is normal for 50-100 hairs to fall out per day, as hair goes through three stages. The first stage is the growth stage, in which the hair begins to grow naturally; the second stage is the transitional or transformation stage; and the third stage is the resting stage, in which the hair falls out from the roots.
As a result, it is very natural for a person's hair to fall out every day, but only in certain amounts, and there are many factors that contribute to an increase in a person's loss, such as exposure to trauma, particularly trauma to the hair. The surgical procedure is considered a shock to the hair, and during the hair transplantation process, the hair follicle experiences a shock. from:
- The follicle is extracted from the donor area and separated from the blood vessels that nourish it.
- Replanting hair follicles in the recipient area.
- Wounds and anesthesia affected the hair around the transplanted follicle.
Also know: The transplanted hair falls out after a year
Hair follicle loss after transplantation
It's normal to experience hair shedding after a hair transplant. This happens because the procedure puts the follicles into a resting phase, which is the third stage of natural hair growth. These transplanted hairs will typically stay in place for a short time (1-2 weeks) before falling out around the 10-day mark. This shedding can last up to 3 months (12 weeks).
Don't worry if you see hair loss after your hair transplant! This shedding is actually a normal part of the process. It simply means the transplanted follicles are entering their resting phase. The good news is that new hair growth typically begins around the 12th week, and it gradually thickens over the following year. By 12-18 months, you'll see the full, healthy results of your transplant!
While shedding after transplant is normal, there are rare cases where the procedure might not yield optimal results. This can manifest as excessive hair loss or slower-than-expected growth. Here are some factors that can contribute to this:
- Inexperienced doctor: Choosing a doctor with limited expertise in hair transplantation can increase the risk of complications.
- Insufficient grafts: If not enough hair follicles are transplanted, it may not achieve the desired density.
- Underlying health conditions: Certain medical issues can affect hair growth and transplant success.
At DHI Center, we understand these concerns. Our team of highly trained and experienced doctors utilizes the latest technologies and scientific methods in hair transplantation. We focus on minimizing post-transplant shedding and aim for long-lasting, natural-looking results.
Hair loss one year after transplantation
We've discussed the normal growth stages of transplanted hair, including the thickening that occurs around the one-year mark. However, it's important to note that hair loss can still occur even after a year. Let's explore some potential causes:
- Stress: This is a major factor for hair loss in general, and it can affect transplanted hair as well. If stress isn't managed, the hair loss might continue.
- Underlying Skin Conditions: Certain skin conditions, like alopecia areata, can cause hair loss even in transplanted areas.
- Hormonal Imbalances: Hormonal fluctuations that impact natural hair growth can also affect transplanted hair.
Addressing the underlying causes is key to preventing hair loss after a year. If you experience hair loss, neglecting treatment could lead to further loss of transplanted hair follicles.
It's important to distinguish between normal hair shedding and hair follicle loss after a hair transplant. Shedding is a common, temporary phase most patients experience. However, losing actual hair follicles requires attention.
Ready to take the first step towards regaining your confidence and achieving natural-looking hair? Schedule your consultation with DHI Hair Transplant Center today and start your journey to a fuller, thicker head of hair!