FAQs | Arizona Hair Restoration

FEMALE HAIR LOSS FAQs

What are the causes of hair loss in women?

“Androgenic (aka Male or female pattern) alopecia is related to sensitivity of the hair follicles to DHT, a breakdown product of testosterone). This type of hair loss is related to heredity, but can also be linked with ovarian cysts, certain birth control pills, pregnancy, and menopause.

Telogen Effluvium (or Traumatic hair loss) can occur after surgery, childbirth, severe infection, or even with severe stress. When this happens, the hairs that are in the active growth phase (usually about 90% of the hairs on the head) all go into the shedding phase at once, usually about 6-12 weeks after the stressful event. Most of the time, this will return to normal once the stressful episode is over, but occasionally it can persist for months or years.

Anagen Effluvium (or growth phase hair loss) is commonly seen after chemotherapy and is related to impairment of cell division in the hair follicle. Eventually the shaft of the hair narrows so much that the hair breaks before it reaches a visible length.

Traction alopecia is trauma to hair follicles from trauma over time related to braiding, tight ponytails, and extensions. Trauma from burns or other wounds can also result in patchy hair loss on the scalp.

Allopecia Areata is a condition which causes patchy hair loss on the scalp and eyebrows.

There are also other causes that are related to hormonal or nutritional imbalances, like hypothyroidism, medication side effects, and autoimmune disease, which may be correctable when the underlying cause is treated. ” – Answer provided by Dr. Dana Goldberg of Florida Plastic Surgery

Is there a hair loss cure for females?

“While there is no known cure for hair loss, there are options available to help treat and prevent hair loss. There are a variety of topical and oral solutions but we have seen the best option is with NeoGraft hair restoration. There is extremely little down time associated with this procedure and that includes social downtime as well. Women have very busy lives and this procedure gives them the opportunity to achieve their desired look, while still living their day to day lifestyle. ” – Answer provided by Dr. Ellen Janetzke of Dr. Ellen Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

How do women get optimal hair regrowth?

“While there is no known cure for hair loss, there are options available to help treat and prevent hair loss. There are a variety of topical and oral solutions but we have seen the best option is with NeoGraft hair restoration. There is extremely little down time associated with this procedure and that includes social downtime as well. Women have very busy lives and this procedure gives them the opportunity to achieve their desired look, while still living their day to day lifestyle. ” – Answer provided by Dr. Ellen Janetzke of Dr. Ellen Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

What are the options for hair loss treatment for women?

“Options for treating hair loss for women include medications, laser therapies and hair transplant. Specific treatments include:

Minoxidil/Rogain: a topical medication that prolongs the growth cycle of hair
Oral contraceptives with low levels of androgens for hormone regulation
Anti-androgens such as aldactone/spironolactone, tagamet/cimetidine, cyproterone acetate, ketoconazole (nizoral), finasteride (propecia, proscar) to reduce androgens (male hormones)
Estrogen and Progesterone for hormone regulation
LaserCap red light therapy to regulate the follicular hair growth cycle
Hair transplants to target regrowth to specific areas”

– Answer provided by Dr. Jody Levine of Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC PLLC

Can a female have a hair transplant?

“Women can certainly be candidates for hair transplantation with NeoGraft technology. The pattern of hair loss will determine the ultimate hair restoration recommendations.” – Answer provided by Dr. Kathleen Waldorf of The Waldorf Center for Plastic Surgery

I hear the terms hair transplant and hair restoration. Is there a difference?

“Hair restoration is a term commonly used to describe the process in which a patient relies on topical solutions and oral medication and/or pills to help induce hair growth and prevent future loss. Hair transplant is a term used to describe the removal of a hair follicles from one area and placing it into another area, most commonly the scalp.” – Answer provided by Dr. Ellen Janetzke of Dr. Ellen Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Why do women lose hair?

“There are a variety of causes of hair loss in women. Hair loss can be triggered by a short term event such as stress and pregnancy, or as a side effect from a medication. Long term hair loss can be due to genetics or a symptom of something else occurring in the body. Diagnoses include:

Androgenetic alopecia: female pattern baldness due to a shortened growth cycle within the hair follicle characterized by thinning over the crow, widening of the part, and a smaller ponytail
Telogen effluvium: shedding of hair due to stress
Anagen effluvium: rapid hair loss after the hair follicles’ growth cycles are impaired (typically associated with chemotherapy)
Traction alopecia: hair loss due to trauma to the hair follicles (typically from tight hairstyles pulling the hair)
Hyperandrogenism: hair loss due to the excessive production of androgens (male hormones)”

– Answer provided by Dr. Jody Levine of Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC PLLC

How many others experience female hair loss?

“About 30% of women over age 30 suffer from temporary or permanent hair loss. ” – Answer provided by Dr. Dana Goldberg of Florida Plastic Surgery

Why isn't there more information on female hair loss?

“Hair loss is traditionally associated with men. However, female hair loss can occur as well. Speak with your doctor to get more information.” – Answer provided by Dr. Jody Levine of Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC PLLC

If I'm a woman losing my hair, how do I get help?

“The first step is to do your research. Call and speak with board certified surgeons that offer hair loss treatments and transplants. I would also recommend reviewing the NeoGraft site to locate a doctor. ” – Answer provided by Dr. Ellen Janetzke of Dr. Ellen Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

MALE HAIR LOSS FAQs

How do I know I’m a good candidate?

Patients who would like the option of wearing a very short haircut in the back or sides of their scalp, or those who want the least amount of activity restriction (e.g. athletes) after their hair transplant procedure, may be good candidates for FUE. The NeoGraft FUE System can also be used for ‘scar camouflage’ procedures for patients who have had prior linear harvests, as well as for body hair transplants.

Candidates for hair restoration surgery are those individuals in good health with moderate hair loss and sufficient donor hair on the back of the scalp to transplant into the balding areas. Those with more donor hair, greater hair density and fullness can typically expect fuller results. It is also important that you have reasonable cosmetic goals. Hair transplantation can achieve very good, natural results but cannot restore your hair to the density you had as a teenager. Your doctor will assess the amount of coverage needed to give you the appearance you desire.

How is NeoGraft performed?

NeoGraft uses controlled pneumatic pressure to slide out the graft smoothly, so there is no pulling or twisting that can risk damaging the graft. Your grafts can be re-implanted sooner, keeping them more robust and resulting in a natural looking hairline.

How soon will I see results?

The science behind grafting is simple. Hair follicles are taken from the hair in the back of the head that naturally continues to grow. The follicles that hold your transplanted hair are living tissues that grow cyclically. Once the normal hair follicle has been implanted into the balding area, the grafted hair will stay in place for about two to three weeks before shedding – this is normal and an important part of the new growth process. After shedding, the new growth will begin in 3-4 months and your hair will continue to grow normally. More importantly, your results will look healthy and natural.

How long will the hair last?

Hair loss does not stop after transplantation – some people will need continued maintenance and further sessions will likely be required, particularly if your balding pattern continues with age. Progressive hair loss or the desire for more density may require more transplants. An estimate of balding pattern and the number of procedures needed will be discussed during the consultation with your doctor.

What is an "FUE" hair transplant?

“F.U.E.” or “Follicular-Unit Extraction” is an advanced, minimally-invasive hair transplant method which allows for the harvesting of individual follicles from the donor area without a scalpel incision or the necessary stitches, and therefore leaves no linear scar.

What are some benefits of NeoGraft over manual FUE techniques?

The highly ergonomic mechanical NeoGraft system works as a natural extension of the surgeons’ hand, allowing for faster and more accurate harvesting of hair follicles. NeoGraft patients now reach their goal with less time in the procedure room or fewer FUE procedures altogether.

Do I have to get a total 'buzz cut' to have an FUE/NeoGraft procedure?

No, not if your wear your hair long. If your donor hair is long enough, harvesting using the FUE/NeoGraft can be done by shaving small areas which can be covered by your other, existing hair. If you wear your hair short, it helps to shave it close for maximum yield. It looks more natural sooner as the transplanted grafts are short as well.