Hair transplantation is a medical procedure in which hair follicles are transferred from areas with natural hair density (called donor areas) to areas suffering from hair loss or baldness (recipient areas). (1)

It is commonly known that men are more likely to undergo hair transplant procedures due to the higher prevalence of hereditary baldness among men than women. However, this does not mean that hair transplantation is limited to men only, as it can be a suitable solution for women in many cases, which is what we will focus on below. (2)

Cases That Require Hair Transplantation for Women

Hair loss in women can be temporary or permanent, and not every case requires a hair transplant.
Hair transplantation may be a therapeutic option for some cases of permanent hair loss, including: (2)

• Hereditary hair loss (androgenic alopecia), which is the most common cause.
• Exposure to accidents, burns, or scalp injuries that lead to permanent hair loss.
• Some cases of inactive scarring alopecia, such as those resulting from skin infections or certain diseases.
  Factors to Consider Before Hair Transplantation

Before performing a hair transplant, the treating physician must take some factors into account to ensure the suitability of this procedure for the patient's condition. These factors include: (2)

• The patient's general health must be good; they should not suffer from uncontrolled chronic diseases that affect wound healing.
• The ideal age is usually over 25 years.
• The patient should have a healthy scalp free from any active problems or infections.
• Availability of a good and sufficient donor area, meaning there is enough hair at the back or side of the head to take follicles and transplant them into the affected areas.

What Happens During a Hair Transplant Procedure?

Hair transplantation can take 4-8 hours depending on the number of follicles transplanted. During the procedure, the patient goes through the following steps: (3)

• Anesthetizing the area with a needle specifically for local anesthesia.
• Extracting follicles from the donor area, usually the back of the head where the hair is denser.
• Preparing the follicles carefully for transplantation into the targeted areas.
• Making tiny incisions in the scalp to prepare the space to receive the new follicles.
• Planting the follicles carefully so they grow naturally and integrate with the surrounding hair.

There are several hair transplant techniques such as Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) and Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT), which differ in the way the follicles are extracted from the donor area. The doctor chooses the appropriate technique based on your specific case.

• In the FUT technique: A small strip of scalp is cut, and then the follicles are extracted from it and transplanted.
• In the FUE technique: The follicles are extracted one by one without the need to remove a strip of skin, which reduces scarring on the scalp.

After the Transplant

• Pain and swelling in the scalp are expected, so the doctor prescribes suitable pain relievers.
• The transplanted hair falls out after 2-4 weeks in what is known as "shock loss," then it starts to grow gradually after 3-4 months.
• Hair density improves significantly after 6-9 months from the surgery, but the final results of hair transplantation may take up to a full year to appear completely and naturally. (4)

A Final Word..

Hair transplantation is an individualized and customized procedure for each person, so it is important to choose a doctor experienced in all hair transplant techniques and not just traditional transplantation. If the doctor tells you that they use only one technique "suitable for everyone," it is better to look for another doctor who is more experienced and diverse in the techniques used. (2)

Book your consultation today in the Department of Dermatology to get a comprehensive evaluation by specialized hair transplant doctors and discuss the suitable options for your case.

References

1. American Academy of Dermatology - A hair transplant can give you permanent, natural-looking results
2. American Society of Plastic Surgeons - Hair Transplant for Women 
3. NHS - All you need to know about any surgical hair transplant procedure
4. Hair transplant
5. NHS - Hair transplant