What Causes Hair Loss After Surgery and How to Cope With It (2025)

Hair loss after surgery is typically caused by the stress of surgery, nutritional deficiencies related to the surgery, or both. Up to 80% of people experience anxiety before surgery. Surgical procedures—especially those affecting the digestive system, like weight loss surgery—can produce a loss of appetite that prevents proper nutrition, which can contribute to hair loss.

Jump to Key Takeaways.

Why Does Hair Loss Happen After Surgery?

Telogen effluvium is a common form of hair loss associated with surgery. It typically occurs as a result of the following:

• Stress: Physical stress (due to surgical trauma) or psychological stress associated with the procedure can increase cortisol (a stress hormone), which prevents hair follicles from growing, resulting in excess hair shedding.
• Nutrient deficiency: Surgeries can impact nutrition, especially those affecting the digestive system, like weight loss surgery. When eating is impacted, it is not always possible to get the proper nutrients needed to help the body heal. Without enough nutrients, hair follicles enter the resting phase (telogen) early, and the hair strand falls out.

Additionally, research has found that general anesthesia used during surgery can increase the risk of developing alopecia areata (AA). This autoimmune condition leads to patchy hair loss, and it can range from mild to severe. Treatment options are available.

When Will My Hair Regrow?

Telogen efluvium occurs when hair follicles shift into the resting phase instead of continuing to grow, causing them to shed or fall out early. Surgery-related hair loss is generally temporary, beginning two to three months after surgery and regrowing a few months later. However, it can take a year or more to fully grow back.

How to Regrow Hair Post-Op

In most cases, hair will begin to regrow once the body has recovered from the surgery. Proper nutrition and stress management support the healing process. Most people who experience surgery-related hair loss do not need medical treatment.

Follow postoperative instructions and general health practices. If hair loss continues or significantly impacts your quality of life, talk to a healthcare provider such as a dermatologist (skin specialist). They may recommend lifestyle changes, medications, or in-office procedures.

Strategies to regrow hair after surgery include:

• Examining and adjusting your hair care routine, as needed (tight hairstyles, such as braids, locs, and ponytails, can contribute to hair loss)
• Implementing stress management practices such as relaxation exercises
• Prioritizing proper nutrition with enough protein
• Resting and taking enough time to recover after a procedure
• Taking supplements, such as biotin, iron, or zinc, if you have any deficiencies
• Trying in-office procedures like microneedling or laser treatment to stimulate hair growth
• Using over-the-counter (OTC) topical treatments such as Rogaine (minoxidil)

If hair loss continues longer than six months and bald spots grow larger, or if there is no sign of regrowth or less shedding, the hair loss may be permanent. It is essential to seek the support of a healthcare professional for evaluation and to rule out other possible causes.

Can You Prevent It?

During your presurgical consultation, talk to your surgical care team about ways to prevent hair loss from surgery. Communication and planning can help minimize risks and reduce stress related to surgery. Some strategies to help prevent hair loss related to surgery include:

• Manage stress: Since stress can contribute to surgery-related hair loss, ongoing stress management and relaxation practices are necessary before and after surgery, as well as on the day of surgery.
• Consume plenty of protein: Eating 60 to 80 grams (g) daily can help prevent postsurgical hair loss.
• Prioritize nutrition: Take supplements to address any nutrient deficiencies in your diet. Biotin, iron, and zinc supplements may help address hair loss.

Always talk to a healthcare provider before starting vitamins and supplements to prevent medication interactions or vitamin toxicity.

When to Ask a Provider

Minor and temporary hair loss after surgery is generally considered normal and not a cause for concern. However, it is essential to see a healthcare provider if there is extensive hair loss, such as bald spots, or if it continues to fall out and does not begin to grow back within six months.

More severe or long-term hair loss could indicate an underlying health concern requiring further evaluation.

Key Takeaways

• Hair shedding or thinning can begin a few months after surgery due to stress, nutrient deficiencies, or both.
• This hair loss typically resolves within six months, with regrowth starting gradually and taking up to a year to fully return.
• If severe hair loss persists beyond six months or shows no signs of regrowth, consult a healthcare provider for treatment options.