A hair transplant in Turkey is one of the most popular choices for international patients dealing with hair loss. Owing to the high number of world-class doctors, low operating costs, and award-winning medical facilities, Istanbul is a top destination for hair transplants. Hair transplants provide a truly permanent solution to hair loss or miniaturized hairs, but the results are not instant. Typically, final results are seen after 12-18 months.
The most common question hair transplant patients have following the procedure is probably “Why is my new hair falling out?”. After undergoing a hair transplant, it is understandably worrying to see the new hairs falling out on their own. This is known as Shock Hair Loss and it is a completely normal, natural part of the post-operative healing process.
What Is Shock Loss?
Shock hair loss is the term for the sudden and rapid shedding of hair following any extreme shock or area trauma. This can be caused by both physical or mental stressors, but the results are the same. Shock loss is a form of telogen effluvium, a temporary condition where a greater than average amount of hairs enter the telogen (resting) phase of hair growth. This causes a significant amount of hair loss in the span of days or weeks and is certainly upsetting following a hair transplant.
Why Does Shock Loss Happen?
Shock loss as a side effect of hair transplant surgeries is a reaction to physical stress on the recipient sites. A hair transplant is minimally invasive, but it is still a surgical procedure. During a Sapphire FUE hair transplant, for example, hair transplant surgeons must create up to 6,000 channels in the recipient site for the healthy hair follicles to be implanted into. Each of these channels is a small incision approximately 1mm in size. This amount of stress from transplanting hair, followed by scabbing which is common after the treatment, is traumatic for the scalp.
When Does Shock Loss Occur?
In the days immediately following a hair transplant, it is important not to touch, wash, or comb the area as the follicular units have not yet had time to take root. Once they have, the area will likely scab over. This should continue for 7-10 days, after which the area will begin to fully heal. Once the hair follicles have taken root, and the scabbing has subsided, patients may notice hairs falling out after 2-6 weeks. Shock loss occurs in up to 15% of patients, so this may not happen, however, it is important to remember that it is temporary and normal.
When Will My Hair Grow Back?
For patients experiencing shock hair loss, it typically stops after 6 weeks and will begin to grow back after 3-6 months. This regrowth will likely appear patchy at first as the newly implanted hair follicles will not all enter the growth phase simultaneously. By 12-18 months, the newly transplanted hair will have fully grown out.
The Dr Serkan Aygin Clinic
The Dr Serkan Aygin Clinic is located in the heart of Istanbul – and, as of 2021, in London’s historic Bridge District. Our home office in Turkey was named the “Best Medical Tourism Facility” by La Razon in 2019. We specialise in both DHI and Sapphire FUE hair transplants as well as a full suite of post-operative treatments.
With more than 25 years of experience, Dr Aygin has assisted more than 15,000 clients and boasts a hair regrowth rate of 98%. Contact us today to book your full, free consultation and learn what we can do for you.
