Hair loss after TKR or any major surgery
Posted , 8 users are following.
I don't think this problem has been addressed in this forum as of yet, so I will start the topic of hair loss following surgery.
I had my first TKR in 2012, and noticed shortly after surgery that I was losing a large amount of hair each time I showered and blew it dry. I would gather up a large ball of hair from the sink after blowing it dry. After a couple of months, I was concerned enough to make an appointment with my Endocronologist that I see because I have had thyroid problems in the past. When I went to my appointment, she showed me that my bloodwork was normal. I told her that I felt there was something wrong because I seemed to be losing a great amount of hair. She said 'you had surgery on your knee recently haven't you? That's why you're losing a lot of hair'. I was stunned. She explained that anesthesia, some drugs and the stress of surgery put the hair folicles into a state of sleep. Anesthesia blocks the rapid cell division of hair folicles, and hair folicles are the most rapidly dividing cells in a human body. The hair folicles actually shut down and enter a 'telogen' resting state. The resting state results in the loss of hair. She added 'don't worry, it will start growing back in 3 to 4 months. Sure enough, she was right on the money. In a little over 3 weeks I noticed the hair stopped falling out and new hair was growing. I could actually see the 'baby hairs' sticking up in the part of my hair.
So if anyone that has recently had surgery and has noticed an increase in hair loss, take heart. It will return.
1 like, 8 replies
cheryl90571 jemma33320
Posted
In addition, my hair stylist said that I needed to wait four to six months after surgery to get a perm because anesthesia effects the hair for that long!
Medication makes changes in the hair and in the skin as well.
It is great to hear that your hair is well on its way to being as it was before your surgery!
This site is wonderful because we can get FIRSTHAND knowledge from those who have actually experienced things and can share that knowledge.
Thanks so much!
Oldfatguy1 jemma33320
Posted
deborah90838 jemma33320
Posted
So the answer? Rest, rest, rest, eat healthy and be kind to yourself as you heal from a major surgery. A tylenol pm doesn't hurt once in a while either (and yes OFG I know to watch the total of acetaminophin when taking pain meds too)
Oldfatguy1 deborah90838
Posted
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irish_linda jemma33320
Posted
linda64106 jemma33320
Posted
forrest11258 jemma33320
Posted
i never knew this either until my hairdresser let me know. She said don't be surprised if you notice your hair falling out .....huh? Scared me.
Guess I got really lucky. I am so sorry that you had to go through that and happy that it is growing back
patsyrose jemma33320
Posted
Patsy