Shed??

[buzzbee]

I'm about a month post op and just wondering if this photo is showing shedding.

 

The first photo is 2 weeks post op and the 2nd is from today, 4 weeks. I was thinking that the shed would all happen at once, not in patches. So please let me know if this looks like a shed or something else.

 

Also, I know that shedding happens from 2-6 weeks post op, but how long does the actual shedding go on for on average? 1-2 weeks?

[gillenator]

This type of shedding post-op is typically called shock loss and usually lasts for several months once it starts.

 

It will take another 4-6 months for it to recover.

[buzzbee]

Thanks, but is it shock loss? There was no hair in that area that is now patchy. I thought this would just be the standard shed that happens between 2-6 weeks post op.

[ArochaHair]

There are various versions of what "shock loss" means. In your case, I don't think it would necessarily be called shock loss as it is a given that your grafts will shed whereas typical "shock loss" is not guaranteed in every procedure, both the permanent and temporary forms.

 

Your photos indicate a natural progression of shedding after a procedure. Your two week photos show a healthy recovery and the grafts are still in their original position (angle, direction). The four week photo shows that catagen has occurred and the hairs have separated from the follicle and they are in the process of shedding. As they shed they are physically traveling up the shaft canal as they exit the scalp so they logically will become longer, but because they are not anchored they begin to point in varying directions and angles and you will see gaps form in between where once there were hairs exiting. This is the shedding process and it will continue for the next few weeks until all or most of the grafts have shed their hairs. The way you care for your hair will also influence the rate of shed so usually by this time most clinics will have already recommended that you wash your hair thoroughly and vigorously as if you never have had surgery. This helps the hairs that have already separated from the follicle to shed and this keeps the scalp healthy.

[buzzbee]

Thanks so much ArochaHair for the detailed explanation!

 

Attached are my immediate post op and 5 week post op photos for better comparison.

[fueguy]

All looks good. Donor looks great FYI (from what I can see). All the grafts - as in my case too - shed over weeks. Then the area is a little red. Redness will linger until your hair starts to grow. Now stop looking in the mirror

[gillenator]

Thanks, but is it shock loss? There was no hair in that area that is now patchy. I thought this would just be the standard shed that happens between 2-6 weeks post op.

 

Oh wow, did not know that the area in question was barren of any native hair before your procedure. So yes, that hair would just be your grafts that shed.

 

The area does look nice and clean...congrats on your recent procedure...

[buzzbee]

fueguy: thanks! I had some redness the first week or so but I've been fine since. No scabbing or crusting either due to constant spraying of ATP.

 

Gillenator: thanks! I'll retract and say that the area on the right wasn't 100% barren, but it was pretty sparse. I've attached pre-op photos that gives a better look. The left side is slightly better but also sparse. Also from the post op photos you can see that since I was a no shave FUE, all my non-transplanted hairs are pretty long as they've been grown out for a few months at this point.

[buzzbee]

The way you care for your hair will also influence the rate of shed so usually by this time most clinics will have already recommended that you wash your hair thoroughly and vigorously as if you never have had surgery. This helps the hairs that have already separated from the follicle to shed and this keeps the scalp healthy.

 

Thanks ArochaHair.

 

When you say wash my hair vigorously as before surgery, I've always been pretty gentle with my washing and have continued to do so. Are you saying I should be aggressively scrubbing my hair as that's not something I've ever done. Please let me know.

 

Here's my post op care so far:

-Daily hair wash with sulfate free shampoo (with Biotin & B7) as well as a conditioner with copper peptides given to me by Dr. Cooley's office.

-Sprayed the recipient area for 30 days using dr provided ATP spray. I know that's longer than most people spray, but they suggested spraying until it runs out. I had no scabbing or crusting at all.

-Wear a hat whenever outdoors during daylight hours

-Daily Propecia and Help Hair Protein (suggested by Dr. Cooley's office)

 

That's everything they suggested. Is there anything else you suggest?

[mattj]

Your photos show a situation that is absolutely typical for the post-op stage that you're at. Anyone who has more hair remaining is lucky and would be a statistical outlier. Seriously, you have no cause for concern.

[buzzbee]

Thanks Matt!

[gillenator]

The entire area is going to fill in nicely, especially in the next 6 months...:cool:

[buzzbee]

Posted my 7 week post op photo and one from 10 days post op to show the shedding in the recipient area. Thoughts?

[gillenator]

Just that the area looks very clean for the regrowth to take place in another 4 weeks or so.

[buzzbee]

Thanks Gillenator! I wasn't sure what to make of the shed area. 4 weeks sounds good:). That would put me at close to 3 months.

[buzzbee]

Hit the 2 month mark. Looks like the shed is complete but I can feel stubble that hasn't changed in size in weeks. I think this may be what surgeons refer to as hair that doesn't shed. Anyone else run into that?

[mattj]

I had that. I think most of us have at least a few of those. It's looking good (normal) and everything will kick off shortly

[hitherehair]

I'm exactly 2 months as well and my scalp looks very similar to yours. It's nice to know that i'm seemingly on track. You and I are going to have an exciting few months ahead of us!!

[buzzbee]

Mattj: Thanks! Glad to hear I'm not the only one and that it's normal.

 

hitherehair: sounds good bro! Do you have a thread I can check out?

 

Also, is the pink recipient area 2 months out normal? I believe some of this is due to wearing a hat every time I step foot outside.

[gillenator]

The pinkness can be from inflammation and trauma and should subside in the coming weeks and months.