Mitigating Post Surgery Hair Loss

Losing hair after surgery can be triggered by anesthesia during your procedure, stress, or some aspect of the procedure itself. Here are some preventative steps you can take to reduce the shed. 

1. Make sure you don’t have any nutritional deficiencies

Nutritional deficiencies may play a role in hair loss — with or without surgery. Researchers have identified certain micronutrients that may help support healthy hair follicles and normal hair growth cycles.

·      iron

·      selenium

·      zinc

·      antioxidants, including vitamins A, C, and E

·      B vitamins

·      vitamin D

2. Ensure you’re getting enough protein and iron

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, getting sufficient protein and iron has shown to help with healthy hair growth.

Minimize hair shedding by incorporating foods rich in these nutrients. It is not fully clear whether you can prevent surgery-related hair loss with an special diet, however eating healthy is always better for you.

You can ask your doctor for blood tests to see if you may be deficient in specific nutrients or have an Epigenetic mapping done to pinpoint areas of lack in nutrients and areas of stress that could be causing the shed.

Never take any supplement without first consulting with your doctor. I urge you to also confirm your bodies nutrient base with blood work or Epigenetic mapping, before taking supplements or vitamins as an overabundance could contribute to hair loss.

3.Start using preventative topicals before surgery.

Topicals that include growth factors and peptides can help anchor your hair for less shedding. They will also provide important nutrients straight to the follicles to help support a healthy scalp and strong healthy hair.

4. Talk with your doctor about hair loss concerns before surgery

Discuss the possibility of surgery-related hair loss with your doctor before your operation.

If you expect a long surgery or an intensive care treatment, ask about the medical team’s plan for head turning schedules to help prevent positional alopecia.