ALL ABOUT HAIR TRANSPLANTATION FOR WOMEN

Just as it is the case for men, hair loss affects many women throughout the world. For this reason, hair transplant surgery is becoming increasingly popular among women.

If you are interested in this procedure, then you may have already asked yourself the following questions: What are the most common causes of hair loss? Who can benefit from this cosmetic surgery and what does it involve? In this article you will find all the information you need to know about hair transplantation for women.

Hair loss in women

Hair loss is a phenomenon that occurs in both men and women, but it is the latter who will have the most negative feelings about this problem.

In fact, psychological studies of both sexes have shown that while men may feel a little depressed or frustrated when their hair falls out, when it happens to women, the feelings of grief, bitterness and even despair can be much greater.

It is important to remember that most women love their hair. The style, overall look and state of mind of women will depend very much on the condition of their hair and the type of cut. That’s why, for women, hair loss of any degree can be a real catastrophe.

Hair loss in women: what causes it?

There are many factors that can cause hair loss in women: stress, vitamin deficiencies, certain medications, age and genetic factors are among the most common causes, not to mention androgenic alopecia, which is one of the most common causes of hair loss.

During the first consultation with the specialist, he or she will carry out a diagnosis and a series of examinations to determine the causes of the hair loss, and whether it is androgenic alopecia or whether the problem is due to other factors. In this way, the specialist will be able to suggest the most suitable solutions for you to promote hair growth.

Androgenic alopecia: what is it?

Androgenic alopecia, or simply baldness, is a genetic phenomenon that can be diagnosed in both men and women. In men, baldness particularly affects the top of the head (with a loss of hair that can be total), while in women, even if this part of the head is also affected, the loss of hair is almost never total.

However, in women with baldness, the hair is thinning, the skin of the skull becomes visible, and the appearance of the top of the head is unattractive, often causing great embarrassment and discomfort to the patient.

Who can benefit from a hair transplant operation?

Every woman suffering from varying degrees of hair loss and androgenetic alopecia can require a hair transplant operation to remedy the problem and to restore a dense head of hair that covers the skull evenly.

This procedure can also be performed on women who do not have any particular problems with hair loss, but who simply wish to have a more aesthetic hairline by lowering the hairline. Indeed, many women complain of having a forehead that is several centimetres high, and consider this aspect to be unattractive. The operation will then allow to lower the frontal line of a few centimetres and to have a better global aesthetic result.

The specialist who performs this procedure must ensure that there are no contraindications: if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have allergies or have infections or scalp pathologies, then the procedure will not be possible. Similarly, if you have certain medical conditions, such as respiratory failure or cardiovascular problems, then you will not be able to have a hair transplant. Certain medical examinations and tests will need to be carried out before your eligibility for this procedure can be confirmed.

How does hair transplantation work for women?

Generally speaking, the same techniques are used for hair transplants in men. In women, the most preferred method is FUE, or Follicular Unit Extraction. During this procedure, follicular units are removed one by one from the donor part of the patient’s skull (each graft contains between 1 and 3 hairs).

These follicular units, after preparation, can be re-implanted into the bald area of the skull. This operation is quite long, as the follicles must be removed manually, so the procedure can take up to 6 or 8 hours.

The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, the patient will have to lie on her stomach at the beginning (during the follicle collection phase), and the rest of the procedure will take place in a sitting or lying position (during the graft implantation phase).

Regarding the FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) technique, it is less and less performed, as the procedure leaves a rather visible scar. FUE is a method that requires a great deal of experience and precision, so the procedure must be performed by a highly qualified specialist.

The aftermath of the operation

Generally there is little pain following a hair transplant, but the surgeon may prescribe some medication to help alleviate the painful sensations (these sensations will eventually disappear over the weeks following the operation).

Three days after the transplant, it will be possible to wash your hair. But be careful not to scrub your hair, and use a mild shampoo. You will be able to wash your hair in a normal way after about a month.

You will need to rest well and avoid physical activity for a fortnight. You can only dye your hair after about 4 weeks.