Hair Loss

Male Hair Loss Overview
The single most important physical feature that ages men is a receding or balding hairline. They not only feel bad about looking older but their self image can be affected. Loss of masculinity is often associated with hair loss and men are extremely sensitive about it. Attractiveness is an important component for both sexes and is expressed through the appearance of health, youth and vitality. Changing one's appearance to look and feel better, at any age, can improve self esteem and social conditions.

Male Pattern Baldness (Androgenic Alopecia) MPB
Male pattern baldness is progressive. Three major factors affect this: genetics, androgen sensitivity and age. The earlier the onset of MPB, the more severe it can become. Half the hair follicles, in any given area, must be affected before it becomes noticeable.

Other causes of hair loss include: infections, inflammatory conditions, disease processes, drug side- effects and trauma. These factors affect the hair follicles in different ways and disrupt normal growth.

The Norwood Classification of male pattern baldness is widely accepted and useful in predicting future loss and in planning for surgery. The diagnosis of hair loss in a man with classic MPB is relatively straight forward. If a patient has an unusual type of hair loss or an atypical history, then a further medical consideration is required.

Female Hair Loss Overview
In the last decade, hair transplanting techniques have advanced and our understanding of female pattern hair loss has evolved. Women previously thought to be ineligible for surgery can now benefit greatly from this procedure. Although not all women with female pattern hair loss are candidates, most can be helped with this procedure. It is now an available and successful option for women.

Hair loss in women is a common occurrence, 40% of the female population suffer from it. Many women have a thinning hair problem in their 20's and 30's that continues into their menopausal years. This can cause severe psychological and psychosocial distress.

Causes of Female Hair Loss
Hereditary hair thinning accounts for most cases of hair loss. This is usually triggered by a combination of hormonal activity and genetics, which cause the hair follicles in the scalp to shrink. This condition is called androgenetic alopecia and can start in the teens, 20's, 30's or 40's. Over time, this leads to a shortening of the hair's growth cycle until there is little hair growth at all.

There are other causes of hair thinning and loss that include certain medications and medical conditions, as well as emotional and physical stress. Women who are experiencing hair loss should undergo medical investigation. The physician needs to be certain that this is not a temporary hair loss.

Who is a Candidate?
Similar to men, potential female candidates must have a good long-term potential donor-recipient ratio and have realistic expectations and goals.