Hair is an important aspect of how people view and feel about themselves. Loss of hair in women can have negative impacts on their levels of self-esteem and self-confidence. Thankfully, developments in modern medicine have made practical remedies such as hair transplants for women possible. Female hair transplant is mainly intended to treat female patterns of baldness or hair thinning. Dallas board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Solomon Azouz performs this procedure by transplanting healthy hair follicles from donor sites to areas of hair loss to create hair that looks more natural and fuller.

Candidates for female hair transplant

Ideal candidates for female hair transplants are those exhibiting signs of pattern baldness subcategorized as female pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia. Although pattern baldness can be seen in both men and women, female pattern baldness usually manifests differently in women. Women with pattern baldness usually have widespread hair thinning over the scalp often beginning as a broadening of the central section of the hair, leaving the front hairline unaltered.

What causes Female Pattern Baldness?

• Genetics: The main cause of female pattern baldness is a genetic predisposition. Women are more prone to suffer from hair loss if there is a family history. The sensitivity of hair follicles is influenced by genetic variables, which can cause them to shrink and eventually cause hair thinning and loss.
• Hormonal Variations: Female pattern baldness may be significantly influenced by changes in hormone levels which can impact the hair growth cycle and lead to hair shrinkage. In those who are vulnerable, hormonal changes brought on by pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and illnesses like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) can worsen hair loss.
• Stress: Psychological stress can also cause increased shedding and temporary hair thinning.

Other candidates can be those experiencing hair thinning brought on by burns, nutritional deficiencies, trauma, and hair care practices such as excessive use of heat styling, tight hairstyles, harsh hair treatments, and vigorous brushing or combing.

Benefits of female hair transplants

Benefits of this procedure include restored confidence and sense of self that may come with having a full head of hair again, natural and longer-lasting results, and minimal downtime due to shorter recovery times. Dallas plastic surgeon Dr. Azouz takes a customized approach to make sure that every operation is designed to meet the specific cosmetic objectives and hair loss patterns of each patient.

How are hair transplants performed in women?

• Donor Hair Harvesting: Methods such as follicular unit extraction (FUE) or follicular unit transplantation (FUT) are used to remove healthy hair follicles from donor areas, usually the back or sides of the scalp.
• Graft Preparation: Before being transplanted, the collected follicles are meticulously dissected.
• Creation of the Recipient Site: The recipient area, where the hair will be transplanted, is incised little.
• Graft Placement: For results that look natural, the prepared follicular units are carefully inserted into the recipient sites

Anesthesia used for female hair transplants

Anesthesia is an essential part of a female hair transplant to guarantee patient safety and comfort during the process. Female hair transplant is usually done under local anesthetic which controls pain during and after the procedure.

Risks associated with female hair transplants

Although female hair transplants are generally safe, there are a few risks to be aware of. These include bleeding, infection, damage to the hair follicles, scarring, and temporary shedding or loss of transplanted hair. Any concerns patients may have can be addressed during their consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Azouz.

Recovery after female hair transplants

Although recovery times after female hair transplant surgery differ from person to person, patients can experience mild swelling and discomfort and a tender scalp. Dallas plastic surgeon Dr. Azouz recommends avoiding physically demanding activity and direct sunshine directly following the procedure. However, a gradual return to regular activities over the course of a few days to weeks can be expected while the transplanted hair progressively grows and matures.

How much do female hair transplants cost?

Various factors such as the level of hair loss, the quantity of grafts required, and the intricacy of the process can affect the cost of hair transplant in women. A more accurate cost estimate based on the patient’s unique requirements and objectives can be discussed during a scheduled consultation with Dr. Azouz.