Continuing Shock Loss after 3mos Post-Op FUE

[eraserhead]

Long time lurker, first time poster! Have been planning to write a detailed review of my entire HT experience in Turkey (JAN2023) but haven't gotten around to it yet but need some immediate advice on the regrowth stages post-transplant. I went with a very reputable doctor for my procedure, ISHRS certified in Istanbul and had a wonderful experience. However, a number of factors have led me to some growing concern recently. 

As mentioned, I had my first FUE HT in JAN2023 with about 3,800 grafts transplanted to the front and crown. Up until about the 1-month mark, I had limited to no loss aside from the transplanted hairs falling out along with the scabs. In month 2, I had some limited shedding that my surgeon suggested was very mild shock loss and nothing to worry about. Now fast forward to Month 3 and I have relocated states (changed jobs) and am experiencing significant shedding (about 50-75 hairs daily from donor and recipient areas of varying length mostly during washes, sometimes on my pillow) that I am not sure is related to shock loss and am worried is permanent loss related to alopecia. After consulting with my doctor, she suggested that there should be no shock loss after 30-45 days but forums suggest otherwise that it can be normal up to 2-3 months so am confused and seeking clarification and advice. 

Few key details:

1. Not currently nor have I ever been on FIN/MIN/DUT
2. At end of Month 2, I relocated from a state with soft water to hard water
3. In Month 3, I have been participating in an obligatory one-month fast period
4. In Month 3, switched with SebaMed to J&J Baby Shampoo
5. Prior to HT, I had some shedding here and there but never this consistently or as much per day
   1. Was a Norwood 3-4 with some thinning in temples and crown

Curious to know if shock loss is normal and expected beyond the one-month post-op mark for FUE? Is it normal that it could exist this far post-op? Is it dangerous to start FIN/MIN/DUT while loss is significant like this? 

Any help would be appreciated as I am really worried about the loss and not sure if this will grow back or if its more permanent? Have attached some pictures of the current state for reference. Can provide additional information or reference photos if needed.

 

 

Edited April 11, 2023 by eraserhead

[Rahal Hair Transplant]

@eraserhead,

Believe it or not, shock loss is very common and typically doesn’t even start until 8 to 10 weeks after surgery and then can continue for several months before the hair even begins to grow back. So, yes it’s very normal to experience shock loss after 1 month and even several months after the procedure.

The good news is, shock loss is typically temporary and any shocked natural hair will begin to regrow typically between 4 to 6 months after the procedure (though this time will vary from patient to patient).  That said, it could take up to a year for your hair to fully grow back…. which ironically is around the same timeframe as it takes for your transplanted hair to fully grow in and mature.

I hope this helps.

Rahal Hair Transplant

[Rawkerboi]

Shock losses are temporary and it varies from person to person to person. 

It's a temporary shedding which is happening and please start Finasteride or DUT to Atleast slow your hairloss

[eraserhead]

13 hours ago, Rahal Hair Transplant said:

@eraserhead,

Believe it or not, shock loss is very common and typically doesn’t even start until 8 to 10 weeks after surgery and then can continue for several months before the hair even begins to grow back. So, yes it’s very normal to experience shock loss after 1 month and even several months after the procedure.

The good news is, shock loss is typically temporary and any shocked natural hair will begin to regrow typically between 4 to 6 months after the procedure (though this time will vary from patient to patient).  That said, it could take up to a year for your hair to fully grow back…. which ironically is around the same timeframe as it takes for your transplanted hair to fully grow in and mature.

I hope this helps.

Rahal Hair Transplant

Is there any way to know if what I am experiencing is shock loss though as compared to just general hair loss? I am worried because my surgeon suggested that I shouldn't be seeing any shock loss at this point but your point above confirms some other resources I have seen saying that its normal to be seeing it start around around now (I am at 11 weeks) and continue on. I think it does have to do with a combination of things like water changes and fasting as well but not sure how long it will last from here or if I should start taking more serious measures like FIN/MIN/DUT? I don't particularly want to get on these medications if I don't absolutely have to even though I know results vary for each individual. 

 

Thank you for your response though! It helps ease at least some of my worries that it COULD be shock loss still at this point.

[eraserhead]

13 hours ago, Rawkerboi said:

Shock losses are temporary and it varies from person to person to person. 

It's a temporary shedding which is happening and please start Finasteride or DUT to Atleast slow your hairloss

Thank you! Yes - based on research from this forum I realize that shock loss is only temporary shedding but just wanted to know if its normal for it to be starting this late after my procedure and if its normal. I am considering FIN/MIN/DUT but am still doing research as I know there are a lot of potentially negative side effects that I am wary of and want to avoid if at all possible. Appreciate the response!

[Rawkerboi]

55 minutes ago, eraserhead said:

Thank you! Yes - based on research from this forum I realize that shock loss is only temporary shedding but just wanted to know if its normal for it to be starting this late after my procedure and if its normal. I am considering FIN/MIN/DUT but am still doing research as I know there are a lot of potentially negative side effects that I am wary of and want to avoid if at all possible. Appreciate the response!

Every medicines have side effects, Finasteride is no exception but please be aware that side effects of Finasteride is blown out of proportion on Internet. 

Side effects from Finasteride is rare but if you are one of those unlucky guy's who gets side effects from Finasteride you can stop it but no harm in trying. 

Anyways i will leave it upto you, please do a proper research. 

Good Luck