Hair Loss — Knowledge Base
Why Does Hair Fall Out After General Anaesthesia?
A few weeks after surgery, hair starts shedding — at first glance it makes no sense, but the mechanism is actually well understood.
Published: 23 August 2026 · Updated: 23 August 2026
What's actually happening
Surgery and general anaesthesia put significant strain on the body — similar to other major physical stressors. That can trigger telogen effluvium: temporary, increased hair shedding that appears a few weeks to a few months after the event, not immediately.
Does it stick around
In most cases it's temporary and resolves on its own within a few months. With very intense or prolonged loss, it's still worth checking with a dermatologist.
What to discuss during a consultation
An article about “Why Does Hair Fall Out After General Anaesthesia?” can help organise the subject, but the cause of a hair or scalp problem needs an individual assessment. Sudden or worsening hair loss, pain, itching or changes to the scalp should be discussed with a doctor or dermatologist.
Bring information about when the symptoms started, your health conditions, medicines and recent health changes. This helps clarify whether further tests are appropriate and what next steps may make sense.
The content on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Each case requires an individual consultation. Treatment results depend on patient characteristics and are not guaranteed.
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Questions & Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every surgery cause hair loss?
Not every one — it depends on the individual body's reaction to the stress of the procedure and anaesthesia.