SEPTEMBER 29, 2024
Author: Dr. Hamid Hosseini (CEO, Founder & Inventor of Dr. Hamid Hair Regrowth Products. Immunologist specialised in hair physiology & cardiovascular diseases. Based in Melbourne, Australia).
Hair loss is common and can result from a variety of factors, such as genetics, poor nutrition, aging, alopecia areata, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, postpartum changes, breastfeeding, chronic illnesses, certain hair care products, tight hairstyles, hormonal imbalances and surgical procedures and acute severe diseases (1,2).
Hair loss can be a common side effect of major surgery due to a combination of factors such as physical stress, changes in nutrition, anaesthesia, and recovery. This type of hair loss is often referred to as telogen effluvium, a temporary condition where hair shifts into a resting phase and sheds more than usual. While this form of hair loss is typically reversible, there are steps you can take to minimise the risk before and after surgery (3).
Why Surgery Can Cause Hair Loss
Physical Stress: Surgery acts as a stress on the body, which can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle, causing more hair to enter the resting (telogen) phase and shed a few months later.
Anaesthesia: Prolonged exposure to anaesthesia can sometimes contribute to hair shedding, though this is usually temporary. Some people experience hair loss after exposure to general anaesthesia. The stress on the body from surgery and anaesthesia can push hair follicles into a resting phase, leading to shedding.
Nutrient Deficiency: After surgery, your body requires more nutrients for healing, and a lack of essential vitamins and minerals can lead to hair thinning.
Medications: Some medications used during or after surgery can have side effects that include hair loss. This condition is typically referred to as telogen effluvium, where stress or drugs disrupt the normal hair growth cycle, leading to shedding. Common medications that may cause hair loss include:
- Anticoagulants (Blood Thinners): Heparin and warfarin are commonly used after surgery to prevent blood clots. These medications can sometimes cause hair thinning or loss.
- Beta-Blockers: Medications like propranolol and metoprolol, used to manage heart conditions, blood pressure, or to reduce stress during surgery, may lead to hair loss.
- Antiseizure/Anticonvulsants: Drugs such as valproate or carbamazepine, which are sometimes used to manage nerve pain or prevent seizures during or after surgery, can trigger hair loss.
- Chemotherapy Drugs: If the surgery is part of cancer treatment, chemotherapeutic agents like cisplatin, cyclophosphamide, and doxorubicin can lead to substantial hair loss.
- Immunosuppressants: After organ transplants or major surgeries involving the immune system, drugs like cyclosporine or methotrexate are often used, and these can also cause hair thinning or shedding.
- Antidepressants/Antianxiety Medications: Drugs like sertraline or fluoxetine, often prescribed after surgery to manage anxiety or depression, can sometimes cause hair thinning as a side effect.
- Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Ibuprofen or naproxen, used to manage post-operative pain, have been linked to hair loss in some cases.
- Steroids: Prednisone or other steroids, used to reduce inflammation or as part of post-surgical recovery, may also lead to hair loss (4).
Hair care before surgery:
Taking care of your overall health and making certain lifestyle changes before surgery can help minimize hair loss. We recommend preparing your hair before surgery by following these steps:
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Ensure your body is well-nourished before surgery to support hair growth and overall health. Include a variety of nutrient-rich foods that promote hair strength:
Protein: Hair is primarily made of protein (keratin). Make sure you consume enough high-quality protein sources like eggs, fish, chicken, beans, and legumes.
Iron: Low iron levels can contribute to hair thinning. Eat iron-rich foods like spinach, lentils, beans, and fortified cereals.
Biotin: This B vitamin helps produce keratin and supports hair growth. Include foods like eggs, nuts, and whole grains.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These healthy fats promote scalp health. Include fatty fish, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts in your diet.
Vitamin C: Helps with iron absorption and promotes collagen production. Eat fruits like oranges, berries, and kiwi.
- Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can negatively affect scalp health and hair strength. Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to surgery to keep your scalp moisturised and healthy.
- Consider Supplements: If you are unable to get all the essential nutrients from your diet, speak to your doctor about taking supplements such as: Biotin, Iron, Vitamin D and Zinc. These supplements can help maintain healthy hair before surgery, but always check with your doctor before starting any new supplements.
- Manage Stress: Emotional stress can also contribute to hair loss. Since surgery can be stressful, try relaxation techniques like: Deep breathing exercises, meditation or yoga and talk to a therapist or counsellor if needed.
- Avoid Crash Dieting: Sudden and extreme changes in diet, especially those that significantly reduce calories or cut out important food groups, can lead to hair thinning. Make sure you are eating balanced meals before surgery to give your body the nutrients it needs to maintain hair health.
- Gentle Hair Care: Be gentle with your hair in the weeks before surgery to prevent unnecessary damage or breakage: Avoid harsh chemical treatments (e.g., bleaching or straightening), limit heat styling (e.g., blow drying, curling irons), avoid tight hairstyles that pull on the hair (e.g., tight buns or ponytails) and use mild hair friendly shampoos and conditioners such as Dr Hamid Hair care and regrowth products. Dr Hamid Hair care and regrowth products are a good choice for people who are undergoing any surgery for pre and post-surgical hair care. They are made from natural ingredients and enriched in essential minerals to stimulate hair regrowth, prevent hair loss, and maintain healthy hair by penetrating through the skin to the hair follicles directly (5,6).
Post-Surgery Hair Care:
After surgery, we recommend continuing these practices to support hair regrowth and minimize hair loss:
Resume a Nutritious Diet: After surgery, your body will need extra nutrients for healing. Focus on eating balanced meals that include a variety of vitamins and minerals.
Monitor Iron and Protein Intake: Surgery can sometimes lead to blood loss, which may cause a drop in iron levels. Make sure you eat iron-rich foods and consume enough protein to support both recovery and hair health.
Stay Hydrated: Continue to drink plenty of water after surgery to maintain good overall health and scalp hydration.
Follow Your Doctor’s Advice on Medications: Some medications prescribed after surgery can contribute to hair thinning. Speak with your healthcare provider if you have concerns about medication-related hair loss.
Manage Stress: Post-surgical recovery can be stressful, and high-stress levels can contribute to hair loss. Continue practising relaxation techniques and seek support if needed.
Hair Care: Continue using Dr Hamid Hair Care and Regrowth products will provide you with not having hair loss experience or if you have, your hair will start growing back within a few months after a stressful event, such as surgery. Dr Hamid Hair Care & Regrowth products are Australian-made, highly effective products designed to treat hair loss. These products, made from natural ingredients and enriched in essential minerals, are prepared as active nano and microelements that stimulate hair regrowth, prevent hair loss, and maintain healthy hair by penetrating through the skin to the hair follicles directly. The minerals, vitamins, and other natural ingredients formulated in Dr Hamid Hair Care & Regrowth products ensure thicker, denser-looking hair in men and women.
If you notice significant hair loss after surgery that does not improve over time or if you have other symptoms such as fatigue or changes in weight, consult your healthcare provider. Hair loss could be a sign of an underlying condition such as: Nutrient deficiencies (e.g., iron, vitamin D), thyroid imbalances or hormonal changes. Your doctor may recommend blood tests or other assessments to check for any underlying causes (7,8).
Summary
Hair loss before or after major surgery is often temporary and related to physical stress, nutrient deficiencies, or changes in the body. By eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, managing stress, and taking care of your hair by using Dr Hamid Hair Care & Regrowth products before surgery, you can reduce the risk of hair thinning. After surgery, continue focusing on nutrition and gentle hair care with Hamid Hair Care & Regrowth products to support recovery and hair regrowth.
References:
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- Zhang W, Fan M, Wang C, Mahawar K, Parmar C, Chen W, et al. Hair Loss After Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. OBES SURG. 2021 Jun;31(6):2649–59.
- Ebling FJ. Hair. Journal of Investigative Dermatology. 1976 Jul;67(1):98–105.
- Jedličková H, Vokurka S, Vojtíšek R, Malečková A. Alopecia and Hair Damage Induced by Oncological Therapy. Klin Onkol. 2019;32(5):353–9.
- Mubki T, Rudnicka L, Olszewska M, Shapiro J. Evaluation and diagnosis of the hair loss patient: part I. History and clinical examination. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2014 Sep;71(3):415.e1-415.e15.
- Finner AM. Nutrition and hair: deficiencies and supplements. Dermatol Clin. 2013 Jan;31(1):167–72.
- Botchkarev VA. Stress and the hair follicle: exploring the connections. Am J Pathol. 2003 Mar;162(3):709–12.