Hair transplantation is in important step for every patient. It is paramount to be properly prepared for what's ahead and to have a thorough understanding about the procedure and the recovery process. There are many things you need to consider before committing to a hair restoration procedure. We will outline some of the primary ones on this page. Remember - if you have any questions or concerns about hair transplantation, our team is always here for you!
Transplant Treatment Options Overview
What are the hair transplant options for men?
- Direct Hair Implanter (DHI)
- Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) hair transplants
What are the hair transplant options for women?
- Direct Hair Implanter (DHI)
- Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) hair transplants
Required time for surgery
How long should I wait between hair-transplant procedures?
If a second surgery in the same area is required, we generally schedule it 10 to 12 months after the first. There are several reasons:
• At eight to 12 months, hair length is adequate to see the effects of styling. This allows the patient and Dr. Harris to collaborate regarding further distribution of grafts
• Occasionally, when hair first begins to grow, its texture may be slightly different from your original hair. After eight to 12 months, this generally returns to normal, making decisions about grooming easier. Grooming preferences may affect the way the next procedure is planned.
• All of the growth may not be achieved and of adequate length at five or six months. Waiting a few more months gives the person enough time to see more complete growth and with this, more information to decide if a second procedure is desired.
• For those individuals with tighter scalps, the skin has a greater time to restore some of its previous laxity.
If we are doing a transplant in a different area is can potentially be done two to four months following the initial transplant.
Does this procedure require me to take time off from work?
Little or no time off from work is required, and some individuals return the next day if wearing a hat is possible. If you are sensitive about how you will look during the days immediately following, you can wear a hat or scarf. You may also do what many of our patients do and begin the process just before a weekend, allowing for a few extra days of healing. One exception: if your work requires heavy or strenuous activity, a week away from work may be required.
Shock loss
What is "shock loss"?
The medical term for shock loss is effluvium - which literally means shedding. This can occur when grafts are placed in an area that has hair. There is some trauma and tissue reaction to surgery that can cause the existing hair to be lost temporarily.
It would be very disconcerting to go through a transplant procedure only to have a high number of perfectly good hairs fall out through the process. Is this possible from shock fall out?
Shock loss usually affects the miniaturized hair nearing the end of its life span due to genetic balding and is most likely to be shed at some point in the near future. Some healthy hair will be shed, but these should re-grow. Shock loss is more common when a large session is performed through thinning hair. We have noticed that this can be minimized by utilizing Rogaine®, before and after such a session.
On average, how much fallout does occur?
For most patients, effluvium is not a major issue and should not be a cause for concern. Typically, about 20 percent of patients find their hair looks a little thinner during the first and second month following the transplant, when the transplanted hair is in its resting phase. This ends when the transplanted hair begins to grow. The thinning is often more noticeable to the patient than to others. Shedding is generally noted as a thinning, rather than extensive fallout as the term shock loss erroneously suggests.
On which variables do the degree of fallout depend?
In general, the more miniaturization one has (meaning the greater number of hairs one has that are nearing the end of their growth cycle), the more likely will be shedding from surgery. In addition, the number of grafts placed in one surgery and the proximity in which they placed to one another will increase the trauma to surrounding follicles.
Can anything be done to minimize the effects of post-procedure shedding?
Yes, and it starts with proper planning. If, at your consultation, you are determined to be at risk for this condition, we will discuss all of the ways to prevent or diminish such shedding. We may suggest the use Rogaine® before and after the surgery. We will discuss transplant density requirements and its impact on shedding. And we'll help determine the best course of action for you. Do keep in mind, however, that shedding can occur despite planning and preventive measures. If this is true in your case, we will discuss how to deal with this temporary situation and determine the best follow-up care for further procedures.