Hair Restoration For Women

Hair Restoration For Women in Long Island, NY

woman with hair lossHair loss problems are commonly associated with men but all genders can experience hair loss. In fact, the American Hair Loss Association says that women account for 40% of Americans suffering from hair loss. That’s why it’s important to find treatments for how hair loss affects women.

As with men, the most common form of hair loss for women is androgenetic alopecia, better known as male/female pattern hair loss. Other reasons for hair loss in women include hormonal changes, discontinuing birth control pills, gynecological conditions, physical trauma, certain medications, and stress, among other reasons.

Signs of Hair Loss For Women

  • Overall hair thinning or reduced volume.
  • Receding hairline.
  • Frontal hair loss.

What is Female Pattern Hair Loss?

Female pattern hair loss (FPHL), also known as androgenetic alopecia, is the most prominent type of female hair loss. Characterized by increased hair shedding or hair volume reduction that causes thinning all over the scalp. About 40% of women experience some amount of hair loss by age 50. Less than 45% of women make it to 80 without a completely full head of hair.

Female pattern hair loss typically starts with a widening center hair part. The front hairline is usually undisturbed. Women with female pattern hair loss rarely experience total baldness as men do. Whereas male pattern baldness presents itself with hair receding at the temples, creating an M-shaped pattern that gradually fills in until hair is lost on the top of the scalp.

What Are The Causes of Female Pattern Hair Loss?

Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) involves a genetic predisposition, Multiple genes from either parent could be involved. Unfortunately, current genetic testing is unreliable in regard to predicting hair loss. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is a derivative of the male hormone testosterone, is involved in androgenetic alopecia for all genders because it is present in everyone. Only the amount varies. Women produce small amounts of testosterone, which can be converted to DHT by the enzyme Type II 5-alpha reductase, which is found in the oil glands of a hair follicle. Researchers believe that the amount of DHT binding to receptors in hair follicles leads to hair follicle shrinkage. This process can occur in all genders.

Even though women usually only have just a small amount of testosterone, DHT can still cause hair loss in women. DHT levels can even rise while being within “normal” levels on a blood test and still adversely affect hair follicles.

Is Hair Restoration Painful?

The robotic FUE hair restoration method we use at RHRLI involves minimal to no pain or discomfort. Only local anesthesia and a mild oral sedative are necessary for comfort during this minimally invasive procedure, and only mild use of over-the-counter pain relievers afterward, if at all. The vast majority of patients never need stronger pain killers. By contrast, FUT, also known as “strip surgery”, is associated with significantly more pain and discomfort that can last for several days. Many FUT patients need narcotics to provide pain relief.

Is Women’s Hair Loss Different From Men’s?

Women's Hair Loss Treatment | RHRLIMen’s hair loss usually begins with a receding frontal hairline, especially on either side of the forehead, moving back, creating an M pattern that gradually expands until hair is lost on the top of the head. Women rarely experience hair loss in that pattern unless an extremely high amount of male androgen hormones are present. Instead, female pattern hair loss, the person has overall hair thinning or thinning on the crown of the head while the hairline remains normal.

Can Medications Cause Hair Loss in Women?

A number of medications can cause hair loss by disrupting the normal hair growth cycle. Examples include:

  • Acne medications
  • Antibiotics
  • Anti-fungal medications
  • Antidepressants
  • Oral birth control
  • Blood thinners/anti-coagulants
  • Cholesterol-lowering medications
  • Corticosteroids
  • Immunosuppressant medications
  • Chemotherapy medications
  • Epilepsy medications (anticonvulsants)
  • High blood pressure medications (antihypertensives)
  • Hormone replacement therapy – estrogen or progesterone for women
  • Interferons
  • Mood stabilizers
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
  • Parkinson’s disease medications
  • Thyroid medications

How Does a Hair Restoration Treatment in Women Compare to Procedures in Men?

Both FUT and FUE surgical procedures are performed in basically the same manner for all genders. At RHRLI, our certified hair restoration surgeon uses the ARTAS Hair Restoration system which performs robotic FUE hair transplants. This is the most advanced, modern hair transplant procedure available.

Restoring Your Hair with a Hair Transplant Procedure

At RHRLI, our state-of-the-art hair transplant system can benefit women suffering from hair loss and hair thinning. The robotic hair restoration system allows us to perform minimally invasive follicular unit excision (FUE) procedures with minimal scarring and discomfort, quicker recovery times, and natural-looking hair growth. You end up with greater hair volume and natural hair you can confidently show off. If you want to restore your hair’s natural fullness, contact us at RHRLI about robotic hair restoration.

We Can Help Women Experiencing Hair Loss with Advanced Treatments

Schedule a free consultation so we can show you how you could benefit from one of our Long Island hair restoration procedures. Contact us online or call our office now at (516) 605-1545! And remember, we can come to you.

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