“Shock Loss” following Hair Transplantation

When hairs are moved from the back of the scalp into the front of the scalp, a proportion of the existing hairs in the front may sometimes be shed.  This phenomenon is called ‘shock loss.’  The hairs that were shed will regrow and shock loss a temporary phenomenon.  It is not fully understood why shock loss occurs, but it may be due to changes in blood supply.    Another mystery is why shock loss is more likely to occur in women than men.   I sometimes prescribe topical minoxdil before surgery and a few weeks after surgery to limit the likelihood of shock loss.