Hey guys I have another question for you. After reading more posts I've been seeing the subject of shockloss come up a bit. Can you tell me exactly what this is and how likeable this is to occur? Is there a certain "something" done during the procedure that might make this more likely to happen?

Hi Andy31,

Generally, Shockloss is something that can be experienced when transplanting into existing hair although highly unpredictable. Shockloss occurs when the native hair is weak and isn't strong enough to resist the trauma thats going on around it. More often than not the hair that has gone into shock will grow back but after 3/4 months - after the resting phase
Hair that goes into shock and doesn't return is hair that was inevitably on its way out anyway and wasn't strong enough to return.
Increased trauma to a localised area will increase the chances of shockloss.
Shockloss is unpredictable and there is no hard and fast rule to avoiding it - especially if you are transplanting into existing hair.
There are risk factors that either heighten or lessen someone's risk. Diffuse thinners seem more prone to shockloss than receders because the hair in a diffuse area is often less stable than that of a receder. Very often, a lot of the hair in a diffuse area is "on its last legs" and in the latter stages of the miniaturization process.

Hope this helps a little!
Spex

Andy,

I just posted a thread about this that should also help you:

Help, I look worse than I did before surgery (SHOCKLOSS)

http://hair-restoration-info.com/eve/forums?a=tpc&s=569...1094723&r=2421094723

Falc

Thanks for the feedback Spex and Falc,

If I may add, shockloss can also occur in the donor area. I have experienced shock loss all around my scalp directly below the donor scar and I am exactly 8 mos post op. The hair lost in this area has yet to grow back completely.

HIGA, how are things growing otherwise at this point?

thanks,

Hey Folica,

Things are going well, I think my hair is growing well though I can't really tell since I look at it every day. I have 7th month pics and will post once I take some 8 month pics. (Yesterday marked 8 months.)

Thanks for asking.

Hi HIGA,

I'm also 8 months post-op from Shapiro on 30 Oct 06. I have shock loss below my suture line of about 1/2 inch almost the entire length of the scar. I'm going to see Dr Ron in late July for an evaluation and probably have a scalp revision some time down the line.

I didn't know that shock loss can last this long. It's a good bet this look is permanent without proper intervention. Anyone else out there recover from severe donor area shock loss like this after several months?

Hey NSB, how are you. I feel you, I am right there. This may be a good question to post in the QA section.

/J

HIGA, Sounds like you are coming along.

I am only 2mo's post & I check out my growth everyday too!

I see activity already but it is hard to see with the naked eye.

Patience!

Happy growing,