In recent years, the topic of female alopecia has become less taboo, with more celebrities and public figures speaking openly about their experiences.
In addition to the rise in hair loss treatments and products, more women are opting for female hair transplants.
Hello! spoke to Christopher D’Souza, hair transplant surgeon and president of BAHRS (British Association of Hair Reconstruction Surgeons), to ask him why more women are opting for hair transplants and what you should know if you’re considering a transplant.
What causes hair loss in women?
“Up to 40% of women will experience visible hair loss by the time they reach 40, and the causes are many and varied.
“Although hair loss in women is considered more complex than hair loss in men, the most common cause of hair loss in women is androgenic alopecia (female pattern hair loss).”
“The exact mechanism behind it is still not fully understood, but genetic, hormonal and environmental factors all play a role. Female pattern hair loss can be treated with medications such as minoxidil and low-level light therapy, but it is important to rule out other causes of hair loss before a diagnosis is confirmed.”
Increase in hair loss surgery for women
“90% of our patients are men with male pattern baldness, and overall hair transplant procedures have become much more popular over the past five years.
“The patients we operate on most frequently are women suffering from traction alopecia. Hair loss caused by traction alopecia is reversible if detected early, but as women get older, it becomes irreversible.
Hair transplant options for women
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
“Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is currently the most popular technique. It extracts hair follicles, most commonly in natural groupings, from “safe” or permanent areas on the back and sides of the head. A small punch, usually 0.9-1.0 mm in diameter, is used to extract hair follicles one by one. The main advantage of FUE is that it does not leave linear scars, so hair can be kept short, usually with a grade 1.5 to 2 haircut. The main disadvantage is that traditional FUE requires the back and sides of the head to be shaved down to the skin.”
Strip Follicular Unit Transplantation (Strip FUT)
“However, for many patients, strip follicular unit transplantation (strip FUT) is often the better choice. Both techniques have their pros and cons, so it’s important to speak to a surgeon who is experienced in FUE and strip FUT.”
“Strip FUT involves taking a thin strip of skin with the hair follicles still intact from a ‘safe’ or ‘permanent’ area on the back and sides of the head.
“The strip is then dissected under a microscope into individual follicular units. The dissected units are called ‘grafts’ and each graft consists of one, two or three hairs. These grafts are placed into small incisions in the recipient zone where there is hair loss to achieve the most natural result. The area at the back of the head where the strip was taken is closed with fine stitches.”
“For female patients, one of the main advantages of strip FUT is that they don’t have to cut their hair for the procedure, making it much easier for them to return to their normal life. The main disadvantages of strip FUT are that it leaves linear scars where the strips are taken and limits hair length, but for most female patients, that’s not an issue.”
How long do female hair transplants last?
“The duration of your hair transplant depends on several factors, including:
Patient age – People who notice hair thinning at a younger age are more likely to continue to experience increased hair loss. Stabilization of hair loss – Patients whose hair loss has stabilized are more likely to have a successful hair transplant and better long-term cosmetic results. Surgeon’s skill – A skilled surgeon can transplant hair follicles in a way that minimizes the risk of damage and preserves the donor area. This also ensures a more natural finish. Aftercare – After the hair transplant, patients should carefully follow the surgeon’s instructions. This includes keeping the grafts safe and avoiding strenuous exercise for the first two weeks.”
Find a reputable surgeon
“Firstly, I would encourage prospective patients to look for a hair transplant surgeon who is a member of the British Association of Hair Restoration Surgeons (BAHRS), the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgeons (ISHRS) and is board certified by the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery (ABHRS).
“Be wary if the hair transplant clinic’s website does not list the doctor’s name, qualifications and experience in hair transplant surgery. Don’t hesitate to ask how many procedures your surgeon has performed so far and for how long.”
“Do not let anyone other than your doctor (patient advisor/clinic manager) make the final decision on your surgery plan and during your consultation, make sure you know who will be performing the surgical procedure for your hair transplant surgery.
“All clinics offering hair transplant procedures in England must be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). In addition, all venues/premises where hair transplant procedures take place in England must also be registered with the CQC.”
