Is It Normal To Experience Hair Loss After a Hair Transplant?

I recently had a hair transplant with a very reputable doctor. I am about 3 months into the process post op and have noticed some hair loss in the frontal area. Surgery was easy, recovery excellent, but loss of frontal area is noticeable, in spite of continued use of both Propecia and 5% Minoxidil. The doctor did seem surprised, but said both grafts and original permanent hair should grow back. Should I be concerned? And, what else can I do? – Michael
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Shedding of some of the patient’s existing hair in and around the area of a hair transplant is a relatively common occurrence and should not be a cause of concern. The mechanism appears to be a normal physiologic response of the body to the stress of surgery – i.e., site creation, adrenaline in the anesthetic etc. Some doctors claim that their techniques are so impeccable that their patients do not experience shedding. This is clearly a false claim. Although using very small recipient sites and limiting the use of epinephrine may mitigate shedding somewhat, shedding is a normal part of the hair transplant process and is unavoidable.

It appears that transplanted hair and non-miniaturized hair is somewhat less subject to shedding than hair undergoing the miniaturization process. In addition, if transplant hair or non-miniaturized hair is shed, it will grow back. If miniaturized hair is lost, however, it may or may not return.

Since both finasteride and minoxidil reverse the miniaturization process, they should decrease the amount of hair at risk from shedding. This has been our clinical experience, but it is important to note that as yet there have been no scientific studies to support this view.

At this time there is not much you can do except to be patient and wait for the newly transplant hair to grow in and for the shed hair to return. Of course, make sure you continue to take finasteride and minoxidil.

Sincerely,
Dr. Robert Bernstein
Member, International Alliance of Hair Restoration Surgeons
Member, American Hair Loss Association

Robert M. Bernstein, MD Robert M. Bernstein, M.D., is recognized world wide for his pioneering work in Follicular Unit Transplantation and Follicular Unit Extraction. His Center for Hair Restoration in Manhattan is devoted to the treatment of hair loss using these state-of-the-art techniques. Dr. Bernstein, Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Columbia University, is the recipient of the "Platinum Follicle Award” for "Outstanding Achievement" in scientific and clinical research in hair restoration. This is the highest honor awarded by the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery. “Dr. Bernstein has contributed to the field of hair transplantation in dramatic and substantial ways, revolutionizing the advancement of Follicular Unit Hair Transplantation. His published articles have become ‘Bibles’ for this methodology. Dr. Bernstein has been chosen as one of “America’s Top Doctors,” by Castle Connolly Medical and New York Magazine's "The Best Doctors in New York” for nine consecutive years. He has been selected to be among New York Magazine’s “Best Beauty Docs in New York” for his pioneering work in Follicular Unit Transplantation and Follicular Unit Extraction. Dr. Bernstein's contributions to the field of hair transplantation and devotion to patient care have earned him the honor of "Pioneer of the Month" and "Surgeon of the Month" in Hair Transplant Forum International. Dr. Bernstein has been featured on Good Morning America, The Today Show and The Discovery Channel. He has appeared on The Early Show, CBS News, Fox News, and National Public Radio, and in GQ Magazine, Men’s Health and Vogue. Dr. Bernstein's is a member of the International Alliance of Hair Restoration Surgeons and recommended by the American Hair Loss Association. Visit Dr. Bernstein's Website: www.bernsteinmedical.com

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