Which Hair Loss Conditions Can Be Treated By A Hair Transplant

There are many forms of hair loss. The hereditary hair loss condition is called androgenic alopecia. Male Pattern Baldness (MPB) in men and Female Pattern Baldness (FPB) in women. This form of hair loss is passed down genetically from family members. There is a predestined potential this gene will be inherited by one or more family members.

Genetic hair loss may be the most common but there are many causes of hair loss. They can affect both men and women. Not all hair loss conditions are suitable to be treated with a hair transplant. Here are some of the more common forms:

male and female pattern hair loss

traction alopecia

alopecia areata

chemical damage

systemic

A hair loss consultation is the first important step. To assess the cause of the hair loss and then the appropriate treatment to help. Either maintain the hair, improve the quality or restore areas of hair loss.

Many turn directly to a hair transplant to help. Because it is a permanent solution. So on the face of it, appears to be the ideal option.

What Is A Hair Transplant? 

A hair transplant works because our hair around the sides and back is genetically strong (donor hair). We can remove some of this hair to replace lost hair over the top of the scalp (recipient area). We cannot replace like for like hair lost. So a hair transplant works partly on the illusion of thickness and the look of a fuller hair density.

The new hairs are placed close enough together to create the necessary hair density. Aspects such as hair characteristics play an important role. Also, keeping the hair long enough so each hair overlays the next. This helps to block the scalp from being visible.

There are two techniques, FUT and FUE. They differ in how the hair is removed. The rest of the procedure is generally the same. FUT or Follicular Unit Transplant is a one-day procedure. A thin strip is taken from around the back and sides of your head. This is then sutured and hidden under a little hair length. The suture normally needs to be removed 10-15 days later. FUE, Follicular Unit Extraction your hair around the sides and back is shaved to remove the hair. A micro tool punches each group of hairs. One by one. It is a long procedure to perform. In general, fewer grafts can be removed over time compared to FUT. This is because FUE reduces your hair density in the donor area.

Are all hair loss conditions able to be treated with a hair transplant?

Very simply, no. Because not every hair loss condition leaves a strong donor area to use. Removing unsafe hair can result in the potential for the hair to fall out at a later. Or not regrow in the first place.

Male and female pattern hair loss

Hair loss affects the hair over the top of the head in different patterns.  Depending on the hair loss severity and gender. The hair around the back and sides maintains it’s genetic strength. They continue to grow without being affected by the baldness gene. Some of this hair can be safely removed. As a result, used to cover areas of thinning or hair loss over the top of the scalp. Once successfully moved the hair maintains the same genetic properties. Continues to grow naturally as if never moved in the first place.

A hair transplant is a part illusion and depending on the hair loss stage total coverage may or may not be possible. Try to look at hair loss patterns similar to yours to gauge the type of result that can be achieved for you.

traction alopecia

Traction alopecia is a form of hair loss/alopecia. Caused primarily by pulling force being applied to the hair. This commonly results from the sufferer frequently wearing their hair in a particularly tight ponytail, pigtails, or braids. Dependent on the area of the traction hair loss a hair transplant can successfully repair the area. As long as the traction has not damaged the hair. Especially around the back and sides of the head. If not the case. No more hair can safely be removed. But if the donor zone is unaffected either hair transplant techniques can be used.

alopecia areata

Alopecia areata is a common autoimmune disorder that often results in unpredictable hair loss. Hair falls out in small circular patches. Sometimes, it can lead to the complete loss of hair on the scalp (alopecia totalis) or, in extreme cases, the entire body (alopecia universalis). Due to the random nature of the hair loss condition a hair transplant is not recommended as a solution as no area is immune to hair loss at any given time.

chemical damage

Frequent usage of chemicals in either styling or treatments is widely known to be damaging to our hair. Over time your scalp condition may deteriorate and hair shaft may become weaker thus breaking off easily. Dependent on the area of chemical damage. Also whether it has affected the skin quality. May determine whether a hair transplant is a suitable option for a treatment for this condition.

systemic

Hair loss in systemic disease. … Telogen effluvium is preceded by a severe systemic stress occurring at least two months prior to the loss of normal club hairs. Most other causes of hair loss involve damage to the hair follicle, which leads to the shedding of dystrophic, brittle anagen hairs. Not normally a condition that is best treated with a hair transplant procedure and the first option may better be a treatment programme, but always have a consultation with a professional before starting any treatment to ensure it is the correct option for your hair loss condition.