After Surgery Hair Loss

Maybe some of you post op veterans can share their experience with (or without) hair loss after surgery.  I kept hearing that it's "normal" to have hair loss after surgery so I asked the surgeon Dr. Hagan last week.  He said, Yes, it is to be expected as the hair follickles all die at the same time.  So I pictured myself sitting at my desk completely bald!  If any of you have had Dr. Hagan, he is bald and he said, "don't worry, you won't be bald like me", however I'm wondering just how bad it is - or isn't.  He also said it'll grow back in about 6 months.  So please put me out of my misery and please tell me I won't need to buy a wig!  Kim

My hair loss started at about month 3 and lasted between 6 and 9 months.  I used to have thick hair and I couldn't believe how thin it got.  I definitely didn't go bald and I noticed it more than anyone else did.  I am definitely a hair person and it stressed me out.  Now my hair is thick again and my hairdresser has to thin it all the time so it does grow back and you will be fine.  It is just part of the process!!  Good luck.

I didn't go bald but I did lose about 75% of my hair but not all at once.  I have really thick hair and I'm the only one that noticed how much I had lost as it was long and when I went to put it in a pony tail or use a clip. I could really feel it.  I shedded non-stop from about 2 months to 10 months post op, was long dark hair everywhere, clogged drains you name it.  I had to wear a hairnet to cook as my hair was getting in our food even though I always tied it back, some still would fall in so hairnet it was.  You will know it's growing back when you get those annoying little pubic looking hairs popping up all over, god I hated those little hairs sticking up and since my hair is curly it looked just like pubes.  LOL

I am one month post op. Had a TIFF event to attend on Fri and a wedding next Sat. so I spent some $ getting my hair cut/coloured -- but with trepidation. I was sick years ago - and when I thought I was better, treated myself to a big $ hair job. Got sick again shortly after and most of my hair job (and money) landed in the sink or on my pillow.

Think I will be in the market for a new touque this winter!

I was lucky and didn't notice any more loss than usual.

My hair started really falling out about 3 months post op.  My hair was already thinning over the past year due to thyroid issues, and a medication I had to take.  Right now it is just falling out in handfuls.  Doesn't help matters that in addition to bypass general anesthetic, I had two more generals since then, and will be having another soon.  Hopefully, I will be off the medication soon, and my thyroid has settled down.  I am getting good at disguising my very thinning hair.  I used to have long thick curly hair.  I would be happy to see some of those  "pubes" popping out, that Tracy talks about.  

judy

Yep lots of hair loss.  I too had thick hair...then it started to fall out and looked like he**.  I think it is important to get it styled often to make it compensate for the loss.  My hair started looking like it had loads of fly aways until I got it styled. 

I used Nioxin as well, I think it helped. Its expensive but the shampoo has lasted me well over a year.  Just a little dab will do ya.

I have seen a few other posts about people using Nioxin.  I did some research and decided to order the starter pack from amazon.  It has the shampoo, conditioner, and scalp treatment.  I figure it can't hurt.... right... 

judy

Thats exactly what I figured!!!

Same as Caroline, had very little hair loss. Good? or Lucky? ;)