It's a common question for many people considering a hair transplant. We are here to provide you with a detailed and comprehensive guide to the process of hair transplantation, and to answer your question about hair growth.
Patients often report continued hair loss after undergoing a hair transplant. It is important to note that hair loss after a hair transplant is a normal event and is the body's way of reacting to the trauma it received during the hair transplant.
Shedding phases
A hair transplant procedure is the movement and individual placement of genetically resistant hairs from the donor area (located at the back of the head) to the areas where the scalp is losing hair. Small openings are created - also known as 'stab cuts' - where the individual grafts are placed. Whether FUT or FUE is performed, the procedure can be quite traumatic to the scalp and surrounding hairs, and as a result, the hair grafts and existing hairs may temporarily fall off as they are put into a so-called resting phase. This event is called 'effluvium' and is sometimes referred to as 'shock waste'.
Hair transplant shedding after a hair transplant can be noticed anytime between 1-5 weeks after the hair transplant. Patients are often concerned about the continued hair loss, but they can be sure that new hairs will eventually grow back within a few months once the resting phase is over. At this point you will notice new hair growth, it is common for the hair to be thinner and finer than your existing hair, this is normal and will eventually become thicker and fuller. Keep in mind that 'shock waste' is a normal part of the hair restoration process and does not indicate any permanent damage to the hair - although it is unavoidable, it is also temporary. New hairs will take time to mature and will grow at different rates, with final results only seen after 12 months. Patients who combine with a PRP treatment usually get better results from their hair transplant.
To summarise, yes, transplanted hair usually grows before falling out. However, it is normal for transplanted hair to fall out for a short period before it starts growing again. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have further questions or concerns about hair transplantation.
Swedish 
English 
Norwegian 
Danish 
Finnish 
Turkish