Any amount of hair loss can be alarming. Whether you see it in your hairbrush or it falls out during washing, or if you notice it on your pillow after a night’s sleep, losing hair even in relatively small quantities can be an understandable concern. But before panicking, it’s important to know that it’s quite common for hair shedding to occur, especially after certain life changes, including pregnancy and childbirth, major surgery, or extraordinary amounts of stress. For weight loss surgery patients, this topic may sound all too familiar. At our practice, Dr. James Parrish helps patients with this exact concern. Continue reading below for his insights on the connection between weight loss surgery and potential hair loss.
Before we get to the root cause, it’s helpful to understand the natural growth cycle of hair. Normally, the cycle begins with hair in the growth (anagen) phase, then enters the transition (catagen) phase when the hair follicle detaches, and then moves on to the resting (telogen) phase, until it finally reaches the shedding (exogen) phase where hair falls out and new hair often grows. Factors like abnormal stress that are mentioned above can force large numbers of hair follicles to enter into the resting phase and delay progressing to the next phase, which can slow new hair growth. This reaction is stimulated by the body’s natural instinct to focus on healing more critical functions during trauma or recovery.
Major bariatric surgeries, such as gastric bypass and gastric sleeve, may cause the body to experience a certain level of physical and emotional stress, which can lead to more hair follicles entering the resting phase, therefore disrupting the typical growth cycle. Notably, any hair that is in the resting phase at the time of surgery will most likely be the hair you will shed. This type of hair loss is a common condition known as telogen effluvium. If this condition occurs, hair loss will usually be noticeable three to four months after a bariatric procedure. Thankfully, in most cases, this type of hair loss is temporary and will most likely go back to normal once the stress on the body resolves.
To help the body repair itself, it’s best for patients to follow post-op instructions for consuming appropriate amounts of protein, vitamins, minerals, and supplements to promote hair re-growth and avoid longer spans of hair thinning or loss. Malnutrition after weight loss surgery can also result in hair loss, especially when the individual is lacking Vitamin B, Vitamin D, Iron, Zinc, and Selenium.
In addition to following proper nutritional guidelines, it’s important to take advantage of resources and support after bariatric surgery to manage stress as you navigate the new journey into a healthier way of life. Dr. Parrish and the team at Alexandria Bariatric Surgery take great care to enable patients with the knowledge and tools necessary to understand the post-surgery experience so they may be well-equipped to handle side effects and to experience a safe, comfortable recovery process.
For more information about available weight loss procedures, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Parrish, please contact our practice today.