Q: What type of female hair loss is suitable for a hair transplant?

A: A smaller percent of women with genetic hair loss are good candidates for a hair transplant as compared to men. The reason is that hair loss in women tends to be diffuse (i.e. there is thinning all over). In this situation, there is no stable donor area to use for the hair restoration.

Women with hair loss localized to the front and/or top of their scalp and good hair on the back and sides, can be excellent candidates for hair restoration, but it is important for the doctor to determine this by measuring the hair density in the donor area. This can be performed in the office using an instrument called a video-densitometer.

Conditions other than genetic thinning can be treated with hair transplantation, such as traction alopeica and hair loss from surgical scars, but some conditions, such as alopecia areata, do not respond well. It is important to have a dermatologist make sure that the condition is treatable by surgery before considering a hair transplant.

Reminder: Bernstein Medical – Center for Hair Restoration will be holding a Women’s Hair Loss Open House at our facility in Midtown Manhattan, New York City on Wednesday, August 12th, 2009 (4-6pm). You can register to attend the open house by following this link. We look forward to seeing you there!