Why did my Hair fall out After Surgery?
My Hair Loss Story
I had a miscarriage when my son was barely 2. It was around 22 weeks and aside from being traumatic in every way imaginable, it also required surgery to be removed from my body. I developed a number of complications after the surgery including a rare blood clotting disorder called DIC where my blood stopped clotting and I almost bled to death.
After a week in SICU at Albany Medical Center, I was released and sent home to resume whatever sense of normalcy I could manage. A few months later my hair started falling out. It was coming out in clumps every time I washed, brushed or styled it. I ended up having to cut it really short so it didn’t look as bad which was like cutting off a limb.
I also started FREAKING THE FUCK OUT!
It was the worst hair cut I ever had. Being a stylist with terrible hair affected my business. That year the amount of hair services I was able to book severely decreased. Thankfully I was able to grow it back over the next few years, but I was constantly embarassed about my appearance and felt ugly as a result. As much as we don’t want hair to be our identity, it is. It is also a source of comfort as I have ADHD & Anxiety and hair to me is a soothing tool.
Hair loss after surgery
This type of hair loss can occur due to several reasons, including:
Telogen Effluvium: Surgery is a significant physical stressor for the body, and it can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle. Telogen effluvium is a condition where a large number of hair follicles enter the resting phase (telogen) simultaneously, leading to excessive shedding of hair. This shedding typically occurs around 2 to 3 months after the surgery.
Anesthesia: While rare, some individuals may experience hair loss as a result of the anesthesia administered during surgery. Anesthesia can disrupt the normal functioning of the body and may lead to hair loss. This type of hair loss is usually temporary, and the hair often regrows once the body recovers from the effects of anesthesia.
Physical Trauma: Surgery involves physical trauma to the body, and this can occasionally affect the hair follicles. The trauma or stress experienced during surgery can lead to temporary hair loss in the areas that were directly affected. Hair regrowth usually occurs once the body has healed from the trauma.
Nutritional Imbalances: Surgery can impact the body's ability to absorb nutrients, leading to temporary nutritional imbalances. Inadequate nutrition, particularly protein deficiency, can contribute to hair loss. It's important to ensure you have a balanced diet and meet your nutritional needs during the recovery period after surgery.
Medications: Some medications that are commonly prescribed during and after surgery may have hair loss as a potential side effect. For example, certain antibiotics, anticoagulants, and chemotherapy drugs can cause hair loss. If you suspect a medication you were given during surgery is causing hair loss, it's essential to consult with your healthcare provider.
It's important to consult with a healthcare professional or dermatologist to assess your specific situation and determine the underlying cause of your hair loss after surgery. They can provide a proper diagnosis and guide you on the appropriate treatment options or lifestyle modifications if necessary.
