What Causes Hair Loss After Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery is the general name given to various bariatric surgery procedures performed to manage and control obesity. It is also known as weight loss surgery among the people. Although there is a misconception by some people that it is the shortest and most practical way to lose weight, it should not be forgotten that such operations are performed to prevent a number of diseases that threaten human health and life. All surgeries performed within the scope of bariatric surgery are performed on the basis of body mass index in cases where people cannot lose weight despite diet programs and regular sports habits, and where body weight causes or has the potential to cause some chronic and serious diseases. bariatric surgery; It consists of methods that restrict consumption or prevent absorption. The main surgeries performed in this context can be listed as follows:

• Tube Stomach Surgery
• Gastric Bypass Surgery
• gastric balloon
  Obesity surgeries provide weight loss by restricting the amount of consumption or preventing absorption. After this type of surgery, some health problems may occur due to nutritional deficiencies. Nerve damage called neuropathy, anemia, delayed wound healing and hair loss can be listed as common complaints after bariatric surgery. Although the rapid removal of excess weight from the body creates satisfaction, the loss of volume in the hair can be just as annoying.
  Obesity surgery means a radical and stable change in lifestyle and eating habits. In particular, the elimination of old habits related to the eating pattern and their replacement with new ones can create a short-term bodily chaos. Hair loss should also be considered as a temporary and natural result of this chaotic environment.

What Does Research Say About Hair Loss Following Weight Loss Surgeries?

Studies show that acute onset alopecia after bariatric surgery is usually caused by telogen effluvium. As a result of the studies, it has been noted that the chronic hair loss problem that starts after weight loss surgery is generally associated with nutritional deficiency. Preliminary laboratory studies to evaluate nutritional deficiency; It contains calcium, ferritin, folate, iron and vitamins (A, B1, B6, B12 and D 25-hydroxy). However, it is thought that hair loss in patients after bariatric surgery may be multifactorial and may result from more than one etiology. Experts have noted that bariatric surgery is associated with dermatological disorders, including hair loss. As a result of laboratory research; It has been concluded that the problem of hair loss, which usually occurs within three months after bariatric surgery, is a non-scarring alopecia caused by nutritional deficiency.

Don’t Let Your Hair Get Weak While Your Body Is Weakening

In order to prevent hair loss due to vitamin and mineral deficiencies, it will be beneficial to use the supplements recommended by the doctor carefully and regularly after bariatric surgery. Protein, zinc, iron, biotin, omega3, omega6 deficiencies are known to trigger hair loss. After the surgery, your nutrition program, which will become a part of your life, will be created by considering the vitamins and minerals you need and will be supplemented externally if necessary. It is expected that vitamin and mineral stores will decrease after operations that restrict consumption or prevent absorption. The way to prevent this is to supplement the deficiencies externally for the period recommended by the doctor.

When Is Hair Loss Observed After Bariatric Surgery?

Hair loss, which is one of the most annoying aesthetic complaints after bariatric surgery procedures, can generally occur between 3 and 9 months after surgery.

Is Hair Loss Permanent After Bariatric Surgery?

The good news is that hair loss after bariatric surgery is expected to be temporary and last less than 6 months. It should not be forgotten that the severity and duration of hair loss may vary from person to person after the operation.