Hair transplantation for women is one of the most effective solutions for getting rid of hair loss and thinning, and it is considered one of the most successful and widespread cosmetic procedures. We will explore hair transplantation for women, how it differs from hair transplantation for men, and what techniques are used. We will also discuss when the results are visible.

 

According to experts in hair transplantation, approximately one in five women will face hair loss, which usually occurs due to aging, illness, or hormonal changes caused by menopause and pregnancy. Women's scalps tend to lose hair in all areas of the head.

 

Hair loss medications can not ensure good hair growth or prevent hair loss. While they may work for some, the results vary from person to person, and the patient should use the medication consistently for continued hair growth and should bear their adverse effects. Therefore, several procedures can be used to provide density to the hair and increase hair growth in bald areas. When a woman is a good candidate for hair transplantation, Prof. Dr. Wael Ghanem takes hair follicles from dense areas at the back of the head.

 

The pattern of baldness differs between males and females in the front hairline. Unlike men, women who suffer from hair loss tend to lose hair in scattered areas all over the head, including the sides and the back, rather than in the front part of the crown of the head like men.

 

Women who meet the following conditions can undergo surgery:

• Women who suffer hair loss due to pulling their hair back tightly or improper hair styling.

• Women who had previous surgery and are afraid of hair loss around the surgical site.

• Women who have the same hair loss pattern as men and have stable hair in donor areas.

• Women who experience hair loss due to shock, such as chemical burns, scars, or surgical scars.

• Women who suffer from alopecia areata.

• Women who suffer from hair-pulling disorder.

 

During the preparation period for hair transplantation for women, Dr. Wael Ghanem will discuss some issues related to general health, personal desires, and lifestyle:

• He evaluates hair growth and the cause of hair loss.

• He reviews the family history of hair loss.

• He discusses medical conditions that cause hair loss, such as hypertension, blood clotting problems, or excessive scarring.

• He asks for the reason for undergoing the procedure.

• He discusses the expected results of hair transplantation for women and the potential risks and complications.

• He studies special health conditions and pre-existing risk factors.

• He takes pictures of hair loss areas and puts them in the medical record.

• He recommends stopping taking vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, aspirin, and anti-inflammatory drugs if taken for at least two weeks before surgery.

• He conducts blood tests and anesthesia sensitivity tests.

• He discusses alternative options for hair transplantation.

 

Hair transplantation is performed under local anesthesia. Before the surgery, the scalp is thoroughly cleansed and prepared. Then, certain areas are anesthetized. There are two techniques for hair transplantation:

In this technique, a strip of scalp is excised from the donor area, which contains the hair follicles to be transplanted. Prof. Dr. Wael Ghanem divides them into several grafts. Then, recipient sites are created on the scalp to place the grafts, and the donor area is closed with stitches.

This technique involves extracting individual hair follicles from the donor areas. It has the advantage of extracting follicles from various areas without leaving significant scars on the hair. The extracted follicles are then placed in the empty areas of the scalp by creating small holes for their placement. FUE is suitable for small areas of baldness, allowing better control of the results. Therefore, it has become the preferred technique for hair transplantation.

 

The results of hair transplantation for women are not immediate. In most cases, the scalp may not accept the transplanted follicles, and the hair may fall out. If hair falls out after the transplantation, it will not grow back until three months have passed. The surgery may result in minor, invisible scars that disappear beneath the hair. To achieve the desired hair density, multiple sessions of plasma or mesotherapy are required, with a healing interval of several months between each session. The degree of coverage depends on hair color, density, and the number of bald areas on the scalp. Additionally, coarse or gray hair provides better coverage than fine, dark hair.

The recovery period depends on the chosen technique and the patient's adherence to instructions, and the patient can experience the following:

• Some pain, discomfort, or itching in the scalp, which can be alleviated with pain relievers.

• Dressings can be removed one day after the procedure.

• Hair can be gently washed two days after the surgery.

• If stitches are used, they can be removed after 10 days.

• Minor swelling or bruising may occur and will subside within a few days.

• Vigorous exercise or sports should be avoided for at least 3 weeks to prevent increased blood flow, which could lead to bleeding at the graft sites.

• Regular follow-up visits are important to ensure proper healing.

• Light activities and returning to work can be resumed within a few days.

• Hair shedding after six weeks is normal and should not cause concern. New hair growth will take another 5 to 6 weeks, and hair can grow about a quarter of a centimeter or more in one month.

• Plasma injections can be performed as a supportive procedure to enhance surgical results and promote the repair of damaged cells.

 

Dear reader, that was all you need to know about hair transplantation for women and its various techniques. We hope we have provided sufficient answers to your questions and inquiries. If you would like to know more about the cost of hair transplantation or have additional questions, do not hesitate to contact Professor Dr. Wael Ghanem, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon in Egypt and the Arab world.