Shock loss after a Turkey hair transplant is a normal shedding phase that affects most patients between weeks 2 and 4. The transplanted hairs fall out because the follicles enter a temporary resting state after being extracted from the donor area and reimplanted into the recipient zone. The follicles remain alive beneath the scalp surface, and new growth begins at months 3-4 with full results visible at 12-18 months.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
Why Shock Loss Happens
During FUE surgery at a Turkish clinic, each follicular unit is extracted from the donor area, kept in a holding solution, and then implanted into tiny recipient sites across the balding area. This process creates micro-trauma that triggers the follicles to enter the telogen (resting) phase of the hair growth cycle.
When a follicle enters telogen, the existing hair shaft detaches from the root and falls out over the following days. The follicle itself stays anchored beneath the skin and, after a resting period of 2-3 months, re-enters the anagen (active growth) phase and produces a brand new hair.
This shedding is not graft failure. It is the normal biological response of hair follicles to the physical trauma of transplantation.
Two Types of Shock Loss
| Type | What Sheds | Why | How Common | Regrowth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transplanted hair shedding | Newly implanted grafts | Follicle trauma from extraction and reimplantation | Affects 90%+ of patients | 90-95% regrow by months 3-6 |
| Native hair shedding | Existing hairs near the transplant zone | Inflammation from nearby incisions and implantation | Affects 10-20% of patients | Most regrow within 3-6 months |
Transplanted hair shedding is nearly universal and expected. Native hair shedding near the recipient area is less common but can be alarming when it occurs because it may temporarily make the area look thinner than before surgery.
The Shock Loss and Regrowth Timeline
Here is what to expect after your Turkey hair transplant, month by month:
| Timeframe | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Days 1-14 | Transplanted hairs remain in place, scabs form and fall off |
| Weeks 2-4 | Shock loss begins, transplanted hairs shed progressively |
| Weeks 4-6 | Shedding completes, scalp may appear similar to pre-surgery |
| Months 3-4 | New growth emerges as fine, thin hairs |
| Months 6-8 | Noticeable density improvement, hairs thicken |
| Months 9-12 | Significant coverage and natural appearance |
| Months 12-18 | Final results with full thickness and density |
The "Ugly Duckling Phase"
The period between weeks 4 and month 3 is often called the ugly duckling phase. Your scalp may look the same as, or even thinner than, it did before your transplant. This is temporary and does not reflect the final outcome. Many patients who traveled to Turkey for their procedure find this waiting period psychologically difficult because they are already emotionally and financially invested in the results.
Your Turkish clinic's follow-up team (usually available via WhatsApp) can review your progress photos during this phase and confirm that your healing is on track.
How to Support Recovery During Shock Loss
You cannot stop shock loss from occurring, but you can create the best conditions for strong regrowth:
- Follow the washing instructions from your clinic precisely (gentle technique, no rubbing or scratching)
- Take all prescribed medications through the full course, including antibiotics and anti-inflammatories
- Sleep elevated for the first 7-10 days to minimize swelling
- Avoid direct sun exposure on the scalp for at least 4-6 weeks
- Skip strenuous exercise for 2 weeks to prevent increased blood pressure and sweating
- Do not smoke, as reduced circulation slows healing and can worsen shedding
- Ask your clinic about finasteride or minoxidil to protect native hairs around the transplant zone
Factors That Can Worsen Shedding
Some patients experience more severe shock loss than others. Contributing factors include:
- Higher graft count: Larger sessions (4,000+ grafts) create more cumulative tissue trauma
- Dense packing: Placing grafts close together increases inflammation in the recipient area
- Existing miniaturized hair: Thin, weakening hairs near the transplant zone are more vulnerable
- Smoking or poor circulation: Reduced blood supply to the scalp impairs healing
- Not following aftercare instructions: Skipping medications or washing improperly adds stress to healing follicles
When to Be Concerned
Shock loss that follows the normal pattern described above is not a reason to worry. However, contact your Turkish clinic via WhatsApp or schedule a video call if you experience:
- No new hair growth by month 5 (some growth, even fine and sparse, should be visible by then)
- Patchy regrowth with clearly bald spots within the transplanted zone after month 6
- Signs of infection at any point: persistent redness, pus, unusual discharge, or fever
- Pain or swelling at the transplant site that returns or worsens after the first week
These situations are uncommon with properly performed FUE (90-95% graft survival rate) but warrant a follow-up evaluation.
Shock Loss vs. Graft Failure
Understanding the difference between normal shock loss and actual graft failure helps prevent unnecessary panic:
| Normal Shock Loss | Graft Failure | |
|---|---|---|
| Timing | Weeks 2-4 | Immediate or within days |
| Pattern | Gradual, diffuse shedding | Grafts visibly falling out with crusts |
| Cause | Follicle enters resting phase | Graft did not anchor due to trauma, infection, or poor technique |
| Regrowth | Yes, at months 3-4 | No regrowth from failed grafts |
| Frequency | Affects 90%+ of patients | Affects 5-10% of grafts in successful procedures |
If your grafts are shedding gradually between weeks 2-4, this is almost certainly normal shock loss. If you saw grafts falling out with their crusts attached during the first 3-5 days, report this to your clinic immediately.
For a detailed breakdown of what your Turkey package covers during the recovery period, see our Turkey vs USA cost comparison. To understand how different extraction methods affect shock loss patterns, read our FUE vs FUT comparison.
Wondering how your hair loss stage affects transplant outcomes and recovery expectations? Get a free AI analysis at myhairline.ai/analyze to understand your pattern and plan your recovery timeline.