The Etiology Of Hair Transplantation

Male & Female Pattern Baldness

Male and female pattern baldness has been characterized as an androgen-based miniaturization process of hair follicles that are susceptible to a certain gene called dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

Pattern baldness is caused by the hormone DHT attacking the hair follicles. DHT is a conversion of testosterone by the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. DHT attacks these genetically susceptible hair follicles and causes hair miniaturization until these follicles ultimately reach death.

Donor versus recipient grafts refers to the hair grafts taken from the donor area to grow and survive after transplantation to the frontal area of alopecia. Even regular levels of testosterone can be converted to high levels of DHT, or the hair follicle itself can be abnormally receptive to DHT and therefore create advanced cases of androgenic alopecia. Fortunately, the follicles taken from the donor areas have little to no enzyme and therefore are not affected by the DHT.

The Etiology of Hair Transplantation

Scarring Alopecia

Scarring alopecia, such as lupus, can attack the healthy transplanted hairs and therefore not allow them to grow. These diseases can be treated. Once the condition has been resolved, healthy hair grafts can be placed into the area with a good chance of success.

Male hair loss is mainly due to androgenic alopecia, also referred to as male pattern baldness. Male pattern baldness is a progressive process that will continue for the duration of a person’s lifetime. The eventual level of hair loss is typically more advanced with people who start losing hair at a younger age.

Most hair loss in women is also caused by genetics. However, women can also lose hair because of medical conditions such as hormonal imbalance, trichotillomania, and telogen effluvium. Female pattern baldness is progressive as well.

delimiter image

Watch patient interviews & informative content

VIDEOS

The Etiology of Hair Transplantation

Female Hair Loss

Female hair loss can be caused by numerous sources such as hypothyroidism, various medications, systemic disorders, trauma, and infections. Telogenic effluvium and androgenic alopecia can also happen at the same time. This may lead to a more in-depth treatment plan that will involve treating the telogen effluvium before considering a hair transplant.

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune issue with the hair follicles. It can happen in any area of the scalp, including donor areas, leaving areas of complete baldness. Alopecia universalis is the lack of hair on the entire body. It can be resolved with medication and topical treatments, and the hair will grow back after the treatment has rectified the cause.

Eyebrow and facial hair transplantation has increased in popularity. The use of follicular unit extraction (FUE) has made it much easier to perform these specialty procedures. Hair loss in the eyebrows can be a result from over-plucking, trauma, or inherited thinning. Hair loss in the beard, moustache, or goatee areas can be caused by alopecia barbae or alopecia areata.

If you want to learn more about what may be causing your hair loss or to see if you are a good candidate for hair transplantation, contact the Toronto Hair Transplant Clinic today.

Additional Articles About Hair Transplant Treatment

Hair Transplant Articles

delimiter image

Get in touch with us

Schedule a consultation today!

The Toronto Hair Transplant Clinic
59 Hayden St Suite 702,
Toronto, ON, M4Y 2P2, Canada

Phone: (647) 351-0061
Fax: (647) 343-0277

中文客服电话 (Mandarin Number Only)
(647) 930-0307

Our Location Map

logo