While we specialize in non-surgical treatments for female hair loss, we often get questions from patients about hair transplants. Hair transplants have come a long way from the “plugs” look many people still associate with them today. With an experienced surgeon, today’s hair transplants look extremely natural and no one would know you had a procedure done. It is important to remember that while hair transplants can still be a good option for some women, due to the type of hair loss, many women are not great candidates. So how do hair transplants work?
As the name suggests, with a hair transplant, hair follicles are removed from one section of the scalp (the donor area) and replanted in another section of the scalp (the recipient area). There are two types of hair transplants, Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE). The biggest difference between the two types is how the hair follicles are removed from the scalp. In the FUT method, a strip of grafts about 2 CMs wide and 15 to 20 CMs long in the back of the scalp (donor area) is extracted and then the individual follicles are divided and planted on the top of the scalp. With the FUE, each follicle is extracted individually using a small punch and then planted. Most women would typically get the FUT method, as you are required to shave the back of your head with the FUE method. The FUT method does leave a small scar in the back of your head, but it is hidden by your hair.
Over the past five to 10 years we have seen less women getting hair transplants with the introduction of better non-surgical treatment options. However, a hair transplant is still a good option for many women. The first step is to be evaluated by a hair loss specialist to determine the cause of your hair loss. A hair transplant is not appropriate for all causes of hair loss. Patients with Telogen Effluvium or Alopecia Areata are not good candidates. A patient with Scarring Alopecia could be a good candidate, but only if the affected area was stable for more than a year. The best candidates tend to be those with Androgenic Alopecia, also known as Female Pattern Hair Loss, but the hair loss specialist needs to evaluate your donor area to ensure that the hair in that region is stable and there is enough to transplant.
If you are interested in finding out if a hair transplant is right for you schedule a free consultation with one of female hair loss specialists that can determine if you are a good candidate.
Posted by Your Medi Tresse Team
