Few hair restoration patients undergo shock loss, but it does happen and its frequency can reflect the surgeon. Shock loss's cause is most likely dependant on each patient's reaction to the procedure. The level of the procedure's invasiveness, however, does decide the overall level of trauma. Any physical trauma, especially sustained trauma on the scalp, can lead to shock loss.
Seasoned hair restoration professionals are wary of shock loss. A temporary problem, shock loss can create complications with future growth. Hair follicles' longevity depends on the amount of growth cycles they undergo. With balding and thinning, hair strands first begin to miniaturize, or lose its diameter, length, and pigment, and then, after further cycles, become vellus hair. If the follicle is on its last legs then shock loss can effect coverage. Hair transplant results, however, should have the same aesthetic placement and overall quality.
There are numerous ways to minimize shock loss. FUE is less invasive than strip surgeries, or FUT, and therefore less likely to cause shock loss overall. However, there are numerous FUE variants and these range in intrusiveness.
Cole Isolation Technique (CIT®), Dr. Cole's namesake variant, is among the least invasive FUE options in the world. As such, CIT® patients are less likely to undergo shock loss at all. For this same reason, CIT® is less likely to scar. FUE has the least chance of scarring of all hair transplant methods. However, scarring depends on both the variant's intrusiveness and the skill of the surgeon.
Along with being an innovator of FUE, Dr. Cole is a globally renowned hair restoration surgeon whose own transection rate is below 3%. As such, Dr. Cole uses a number of precautions to further limit trauma. These include limiting the size of incision sites, calculating the area between transplants, and using an instrument with a small width and length.
Questions or concerns about shock loss? Please contact us and we'll be happy to talk!
