Hair transplantation for women is done differently than for men.
Hair transplant surgery is a good option for approximately 90% of balding men in the country. It is thought that women would also be good candidates, but this is not usually the case.
Hair transplantation is performed much less frequently in women than in men. A minority of women have hair loss that makes them good candidates. Most women instead have widespread hair loss, in men a general thinning of all areas of the head, including the sides and back, which act as the donor area. Hair for hair transplantation to other parts of the head is taken from these sites.
Donor areas in men are called stable areas, meaning that the hair and follicles in these areas are not affected by dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which shrinks follicles elsewhere on the head. This occurs in those with androgenetic alopecia, or commonly referred to as male pattern baldness.
According to the research of physicians who perform hair transplantation on women, these donor areas are generally unbalanced in female pattern baldness. It is thinning like other parts of the head. Female donor recipients are affected by follicle-killing DHT. This means that in women, hair and accompanying follicles will only fall out as a result of removing them from these donor areas and transplanting them to other areas. Any doctor who attempts a hair transplant from an unstable donor site is potentially unethical and may be trying to take economic advantage of the patient.
Another difference between male and female pattern hair loss is the frontal hairline. The front hairline of men cannot be preserved. Women tend to maintain their frontal hairline during hair loss. We can say that they do not need to worry about needing a hair transplant to frame their face. Men are instead more concerned about volume loss from the top and back. Hair transplantation, on the other hand, does not do much to increase volume. It carries hair from one place to another.
Can Women’s Hair Transplant Be Performed on Every Woman?
According to experts’ research, the rate of hair transplantation in women is less than in men. Approximately 2% or 5% of women experiencing hair loss can have a hair transplant. For women to have a hair transplant;
* Must experience hair loss due to mechanical or non-hormonal reasons.
* Women who have previously experienced hair loss due to cosmetic reasons (straighteners, curling irons) can also have it done.
* It also applies to women who are stressed and worried about hair loss in the incision areas due to the result of the surgical operation.
* Women with a hairstyle similar to male pattern hair loss can also have hair transplantation. This includes receding hairline, vertex thinning (at the top or crown of the scalp), and a donor area that is not affected by androgenetic alopecia.
*Women experiencing hair loss due to trauma, including burn victims, scars from accidents, and chemical burns.
* Women with alopecia marginalis, a condition very similar to traction alopecia.
These are necessary for hair transplantation in women.
How Does Hair Transplantation and Androgenetic Alopecia Correction in Women Happen?
Hair transplantation is also good for alopecia in women. The follicular changes that cause androgenetic alopecia are similar to male and female pattern hair loss; It is the process of gradual shrinkage of terminal (thick and dark colored) hair follicles (hair miniaturization), transformation from terminal to vellus (transformation of thick and dark terminal hairs into very thin and white hair called vellus), shortening of the hair growth cycle and eventually shedding.
As a result of the extremely important research of hair transplantation doctors in women, although male pattern baldness and female pattern hair loss have some similar features, they are actually quite different in many respects. We can say that hair loss in men mostly affects the temples (also called the temporal region) and the crown area, that is, the crown area, and is characterized by a receding hairline.
It is very important to analyze hair transplantation in women. Analysis is important because women’s psychology is sensitive about hair. Women generally lose their hair in a messy way on the top of their head. It is very rare for women to experience complete baldness due to their genetic structure. Hair loss in male pattern baldness causes the hairline to gradually move backwards, creating a receding hairline; However, a receding hairline is very rare in women and they mostly tend to maintain their hairline. We can say that this is an advantage for women.
If you want to have hair transplantation for women, examine your hair and observe your hair loss. Hair loss in women is structural, that is genetically, more common all over the scalp, or is characterized by a general thinning that is localized; It affects only certain areas of the scalp. Because it follows a typical pattern, male pattern baldness is much easier to detect than female pattern baldness. In addition, there are many more causes of hair loss in women and it is much more difficult to diagnose it than in men.
Before hair transplantation in women, androgenetic alopecia can occur in 3 different hair loss patterns:
* Common (gradual)
* Localized (stable)
* Patterned (men’s pattern)
Diffuse (progressive): This hair loss condition is characterized by widespread thinning of the crown area, which can spread to the scalp, sparing the frontal hairline.
Localized (stable): This type of hair loss is characterized by bitemporal recession of the midline portion in the center of the scalp without diffuse thinning.
This type of hair loss, classified by Olsen, is described as the “Christmas tree pattern” in female pattern hair loss (Olsen).
Patterned (Male Pattern): Patterned hair loss is characterized by bitemporal regression at the temples, which causes the frontal hairline to move backwards (Hamilton).
This type of hair loss follows the same pattern observed in male pattern baldness (forming an M- or V-shaped pattern).
Hair Transplantation in Women and Ways to Prevent Hair Loss in Women
It is very easy to prevent hair loss in women, with the research of hair transplantation doctors. Preventing hair loss is possible with a healthy diet as well as medical treatments and personal care. Before recommending any treatment plan to women, the type and causes of hair loss should be determined. This is only possible with the correct diagnosis made by a specialist doctor. In addition, determining whether the hair loss is permanent or temporary, progressive or stable will also help in choosing the most effective treatment program for the patient.
Hair Transplantation in Women and What are the Main Treatment Options Recommended for Female Patients?
Hair Transplantation for Women: Hair transplantation, which offers a permanent solution to hair loss, is the process of removing follicular units from the donor area (located at the back of the head) that are genetically resistant to hair loss and transplanting them to the hair loss areas. scalp This procedure, performed with minimally invasive methods, gives successful results in women with permanent hair loss as long as there is a sufficient amount of donor resources. Hair transplantation stands out as one of the most preferred treatments among women experiencing localized or male pattern hair loss.
Minoxidil: Minoxidil topical solution is the only androgen-independent drug approved by the FDA. Minoxidil topical solution applied to the scalp is used to stimulate hair growth, which helps slow down and stop the progression of hair loss. Women are advised to use 2% minoxidil topical solution.
PRP: PRP treatment is a non-surgical curative and preventive treatment option for hair loss treatment. PRP involves centrifuging a patient’s blood sample to separate red blood cells from platelet-rich plasma and then injecting this platelet-rich plasma into the treated areas.
Hair Mesotherapy: Hair Mesotherapy is the process of applying selected drugs to the skin in small doses with special needles. It is an alternative treatment used to reduce hair loss and support hair growth (for healthy and rapid growth).
Healthy Diet: Eating a diet rich in protein, such as red meat, fish, eggs, whole grains, along with biotin, magnesium, zinc, selenium, vitamins A, E, C and B6, which can be found in spinach, bananas and greens, can help fill your hair with nutrients. and this strengthens and protects your hair strands.
What are the Statistics on Hair Transplantation and Hair Loss in Women?
Doctors who perform hair transplantation on women explain this in order.
* One in every four women suffers from hair loss. During menopause, this number increases to 2 out of 4 women.
* Approximately 40% of women experiencing hair loss have genetically ‘female pattern hair loss’.
* There are approximately 30 different conditions that trigger hair loss in women, but only a few are actually responsible for the majority of patients.
*More than 10% of pre-menopausal women and nearly 50% of women over 65 are affected by hair loss.
* 84% of women experiencing hair loss struggle with low self-esteem, 34% struggle with depression, and 94% find their hair loss socially unacceptable compared to men.
* Approximately 17.5% of hair transplant patients worldwide are women.
Another point worth mentioning when performing hair transplantation in women is that women experiencing female pattern hair loss require a different approach to hair transplantation. Compared to men, hair loss in women does not usually result in a receding hairline. The most affected areas are the crown (crown) and parietal regions. For this reason, hair transplantation performed on a woman requires a relatively high degree of expertise.
Although the basic principles remain the same, it is important to take into account the special conditions of women when performing hair transplantation.
What are the Hair Transplantation in Women and the Stages of Hair Transplantation for Women?
Hair transplantation for women is slightly different than for men. Women do not need to shave their heads completely before hair transplantation.
First, a small window is created at the back of the head to serve as the harvesting surface; Only this area is shaved. No one will notice that the patient has undergone the procedure, as the existing hair will hide the small shaved area.
After local anesthetics are administered to the patient with needle-free and painless jet injectors, the follicular units are removed with the help of a micromotor using thin hollow needles with a diameter of 0.6-0.8 mm.
Then, the hair follicles are transplanted one by one into the incisions in the recipient area, which are created precisely, taking into account the natural direction and angle of the hair.
The transplantation process is done using smooth and sharp sapphire blades.
If the hair transplantation process involves placing grafts into existing hair strands, the transplantation will be performed using the DHI technique and implanter (choi).
Hair transplantation for women is done individually. As with all hair transplant treatments, hair transplants for women must be customized and planned according to individual specifications.
Hair Transplantation in Women and How to Prepare for Surgery in Hair Transplantation?
It is very important to be careful when performing hair transplantation in women. Before having a hair transplant, you need to see a hair loss specialist for initial consultations and tests. Your specialist will perform various tests to confirm what the possible cause of your hair loss is.
It is important to see your head and hair loss in detail before these tests, which are performed before hair transplantation for women. When you contact Qunomedical, we will ask you to send us several photos of your head from the front, top, back and sides. This will help us and your doctor get an initial assessment of your hair loss and your suitability for female hair transplantation.
If you are considering having a hair transplant in women, do not panic first and you may lose hair with it. However, since there can be numerous reasons for hair loss in women and it is difficult to evaluate by sight alone, your doctor may also perform extra examinations such as microscopic hair evaluation, pluck or pull test, scalp biopsy or blood test. can.
If you have previously spoken to a doctor about female hair transplantation and they recommended hair transplantation, then one of our Patient Managers can help you start this treatment journey! Contact us and we will give you information about Qunomedical approved clinics abroad and at home. You’ll be able to view specific doctor profiles, read real reviews, and choose a treatment plan based on criteria important to you. You can also check out our hair transplant cost guide for a more detailed look at pricing.
Hair Transplantation in Women: Are There Alternative Options?
If you find that female hair transplantation is not suitable for you or that you are not suitable for the treatment, do not worry. Hair loss in women usually responds well to other medical interventions. Here are some recommended treatments you may want to consider.
Topical solutions: One of the most popular solutions here is Minoxidil (often sold under the brand names Regaine or Rogaine), which has been shown to help slow hair loss in women.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP): An alternative, innovative treatment that involves drawing blood, concentrating it, and injecting it into the head to replace lost hair.
Laser therapy: This uses low-level laser light to reduce hair loss and help stimulate hair growth. However, strong evidence for this treatment is still lacking and more scientific research is needed.
Scalp micropigmentation (SMP): This involves a cosmetic tattoo that mimics shaved hair and can be used to fill in areas of thinning, giving the appearance of more volume.
Cosmetics: For example, hair dye can be used to reduce the contrast between skin and hair color. Alternatively, hair strands are also an option to give the appearance of fuller hair.
It is important to find the underlying cause of your hair loss before spending time and money on a female hair transplant or an alternative treatment.
Hair transplantation in women and hair restoration techniques in women are fundamentally no different from those in men. These are well described elsewhere and only relevant details of the procedure are detailed here.10,11 The choice of technique to use varies with individual patient requirements. The determination of which technique to use is guided by the following 5 principles that are consistent across all patients:
* Thicken thinning areas and avoid damaging the surrounding hair follicles.
* Preserve donor hair and transplant it to areas of alopecia, ensuring maximum cosmetic coverage of the recipient scalp.
* Use grafts of different sizes to maximize the properties of the donor hair.
*Remove bald recipient scalp if necessary.
* Minimize donor injury.
What is Hair Transplantation and Donor Site in Women?
According to hair transplant doctors in women, the area where the donor scalp generally has the highest quality donor hair is in the occipital region just above the back of the neck. When eyebrow or sideburn transplantation is performed, softer textured hair is preferred and is usually located under the nape of the neck or on the low parietal scalp. Stripping donor hair is preferable to using a multi-blade knife. This technique is a faster and more efficient use of limited donor hair. Additionally, an elliptical excision of the donor scalp reduces the likelihood of multi-blade injuries to individual hair follicles during harvest. Small-gauge (4-0) chromic suture is used primarily to close the donor wound. Cauterization and weakening of the donor wound is not done before closure. These maneuvers can lead to in situ follicular damage that can lead to hair loss and extensive scarring.
What is Hair Transplantation and Recipient Site for Women?
In general, when performing hair transplantation in women, recipient sites can be performed with various needles or small staples. In patients with type 1 or 2 hair loss, the in situ recipient hair may be particularly susceptible to incision slit injury and postoperative inflammation. This can cause significant telogen effluvium of the surrounding in situ hair (see Complications below).
To minimize recipient trauma, 18-gauge No-Cor needles (Becton Dickinson and Co, Franklin Lakes, NJ) are preferred. Women’s scalps are generally thinner than men’s. Minimum depth slits (1.5 to 2.0 mm) are created to maintain the 1 mm height of the transplanted grafts and reduce the possibility of epidermal cyst formation.
The location of graft placement should be carefully discussed with the patient before surgery and coordinated with his style and personal preferences. The most common location for graft placement in women with type 1 or 2 hair loss is the frontal scalp. When the frontal hairline is dense enough, larger grafts or ellipse staples cut to fit 2.0-2.5 mm staple holes can be placed behind this area to maximize the natural appearance and provide the highest density. When hairline reconstruction is required, follicular unit transplants are often used.
Some patients undergoing female hair transplantation, especially those with type 2 hair loss, have significant areas of alopecia and very low donor density. Often these patients have a donor follicular density of less than 1.5 hairs per follicular unit. For many women in this situation, the pain of hair loss is motivation enough to request a transplant session, even as a trial. In selected cases, recipient holes or elliptical punches are created and large grafts (2.5 to 4.0 mm) are used. The resulting transplant does not appear clogged because in these cases the larger grafts carry thin hair with a low follicular unit density and a wide interfollicular distance. The results of this type of transplantation are modest. However, in carefully selected patients, women in this category are very satisfied with the outcome and request a subsequent transplant. Patients with type 3 hair loss are generally approached like patients with male pattern baldness. An irregular hairline is created with follicular unit transplantation techniques. Follicular units containing 1 to 2 hairs per graft are placed in front, and larger grafts are placed behind them. This creates a natural slope of soft fine hair leading to a fuller area. The gap between slits is typically 1.0 to 1.5 mm
When performing hair transplantation in women, restoration of sideburns that have risen after rhytidectomy is often desired. The result is often very satisfactory even after a single session. Eyebrow loss occurring due to various reasons can also be corrected, but usually requires 2 or more sessions. Patients should be informed that transplanted occipital hairs will grow faster than in situ eyebrow hairs and will require more frequent trimming. It is very important to pay attention to the angle of creating the slit to ensure that the eyebrow and sideburn hairs lie as flat as possible, creating a layered effect. Recipient brow slits are typically placed at an angle of approximately 10 degrees to the brow skin.
Favorite receiver slits are placed at an approximately 30-degree angle to the skin, with care taken to ensure growth in a posterior direction (i.e., towards the ear). Transplants can also be effective for helping hide scarring on the hair-bearing scalp from surgery, burns, and other scar-producing causes.
In some cases, such as coronal scar treatment, larger grafts can produce excellent density and do not create a congested appearance. The quality of the recipient scalp is the main factor predicting the success of transplant growth. Hair grafts grow in scar tissue, but the probability of successful growth is in the 50 percent to 70 percent range, while the probability of successful growth on healthy scalp is at least 95 percent. Not infrequently, the texture of new hair growth is somewhat rough. Usually the tissue heals after several years of growth.
For female hair transplantation, women of different ethnicities can undergo hair transplantation very successfully. The characteristically densely textured hair seen on African-Americans provides excellent scalp coverage. The coarse, straight texture of Asian hair combined with a typically olive-colored scalp produces a perfect result. Black hair can look natural with larger size grafts, whereas the coarse texture of Asian hair looks “stuffy” when small grafts are not used.
There are limited options for women who seek hair transplantation and are not considered suitable candidates for physical, medical or psychological reasons. These include hair extensions (wigs) and scalp makeup (Couvre, Spencer Forrest Labs, Westport, CT). Medications such as minoxidil and aldactone are sometimes suitable but have limited applicability.
The morbidity rate of hair transplantation is very low. Complications seen in women are similar to those in men and are discussed in detail in the cited sources. Again, women’s expectations are generally higher than men’s and therefore the potential for dissatisfaction is greater. As previously mentioned, careful patient selection can help avoid this problem.
An important difference between hair transplantation in women and hair transplantation in men is the possibility of postoperative telogenation of the surrounding hair in situ. Women who experience overall thinning, as seen in type 1 or 2 hair loss, are particularly prone to this phenomenon. There are no other determinants around the transplant that will determine who is more likely to develop this temporary hair loss. In general, telogen begins 2 to 4 weeks after transplantation and lasts approximately 2 to 3 months, during which the lost hair gradually grows back. By definition, telogen is temporary, but it can be extremely distressing for the patient whose hair is already thin.
Are Hair Transplantation and Eyebrow Transplantation Different in Women?
Hair transplantation and eyebrow transplantation for women have similarities as well as differences. Eyebrow loss is easier to understand and easier to analyze than hair loss. Eyebrow transplantation, like hair transplantation, is performed by taking a donor from the nape of the neck. The operation of eyebrow transplantation is shorter than hair transplantation, and therefore, it takes a shorter time for the patient to return to his normal (pre-operative) life after the procedure. Local anesthesia is used during eyebrow transplantation, just like hair transplantation. And thus the patient is prevented from suffering.
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