Female hair transplants are on the rise – here’s what you need to know

The topic of female pattern hair loss has become less taboo in recent years, with more celebrities and public figures speaking out about their personal experiences.

In addition to the increase in hair loss treatments and products, there is an increasing number of women opting for female hair transplantation.

Hello! talk to Mr Christopher D’Souzahair transplant surgeon and president of BAHRS (British Association of Hair Restoration Surgery), to find out why we’re seeing more women opting for a hair transplant and what you need to know if you’re considering one.

What causes female pattern hair loss?

“Up to 40% of women have visible hair loss by the time they reach 40 and there can be many causes.

“Female hair loss is considered more complicated than male hair loss, but the most common cause of hair loss in women is androgenetic alopecia (female pattern hair loss).

“The exact pathogenesis is still not fully understood, but genetic, hormonal and environmental factors play a role. Female pattern baldness can be treated with medications such as minoxidil and low-level phototherapy, but it is important to rule out other causes of hair loss before settling on this diagnosis.’

The rise of female hair loss surgery

“While 90% of our patients are men with male pattern baldness, hair transplant surgery in general has become much more popular over the past five years.

“More often we operate on women suffering from traction alopecia. If caught early, alopecia areata is reversible, but later in life it is not.

Female hair transplant options

Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)

“Follicular unit extraction (FUE) is a more popular technique at the moment, which involves extracting follicles, usually in their natural clusters, from the ‘safe’ or permanent zone at the back and sides of the head. Small punches are used, usually 0.9-1.0 mm in diameter, and the follicles are removed one by one. The main advantage of FUE is that no linear scar is left, which allows you to wear your hair at a shorter length, usually a grade 1.5 to 2 cut. The main disadvantage is that traditional FUE requires shaving the back and sides of the head to the skin.

Strip Follicular Unit Transplantation (Strip FUT)

“But Strip Follicular Unit Transplantation (Strip FUT) is often a better option for many patients. Both techniques have their pros and cons, so it is important to consult with a surgeon who is comfortable with FUE and Strip FUT.

“Strip FUT involves taking a thin strip of skin with intact hair follicles from the ‘safe’ or ‘permanent’ zone at the back and sides of the head.

“The strip is then separated under microscopes into individual follicular units. Once assigned, the units are referred to as ‘grafts’ and each graft can consist of one, two or three hairs. These grafts are then placed through tiny incisions in the recipient zone where there is hair loss, to give the most natural results The area at the back of the head where the strip was pulled is closed with a fine stitch.

“One of the main advantages of Strip FUT for female patients is that you do not need to cut your hair for the procedure, which makes the return to normal life much easier. The main disadvantage of Strip FUT is a linear scar where the strip was taken, which limits the length of the hair, but for most women this is not a problem.’

How long do female hair transplants last?

“The longevity of a hair transplant depends on many factors, including:

• The age of the patient – those who experience thinning at a younger age are more likely to lose more hair.
• Stabilization of hair loss – patients who have stabilized their hair loss are more likely to have a successful hair transplant and a better long-term aesthetic result.
• The skill of the surgeon – a skilled surgeon will be able to transplant the hair follicles in a way that minimizes the risk of damage and preserves the donor area. This will also help ensure a more natural result.
• aftercare – Patients must follow the surgeon’s instructions carefully after hair transplantation. This includes avoiding keeping the grafts secure and avoiding vigorous activity for the first two weeks.”

Finding a reliable surgeon

“Firstly, I would recommend that prospective patients look for a hair transplant surgeon who is a member of the British Association of Hair Restoration Surgery (BAHRS), the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) and a Diplomate of the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery (ABHRS).

“Be wary of hair transplant clinic websites that do not list who the doctors are, what their qualifications are, and what their experience is in hair transplant surgery. Don’t be shy about asking how many procedures your surgeon has performed and over what period of time.

“Never allow a non-physician (patient advisor/clinic manager) to make final decisions about surgical planning and be sure to ask at the session who will be doing the surgical steps of the hair transplant procedure.

“All clinics in England offering hair transplant surgery must be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). In addition, all sites/facilities in England where hair transplant surgery is carried out must also be registered with the CQC.”