Hair Restoration for Women

Is hair loss common in women?

Although androgenetic alopecia is often referred to as male pattern baldness, it is not limited to men. 70% of thinning in women can be explained by androgenetic alopecia.

If you are a woman experiencing thinning, you are not alone. About half of women will experience some degree of thinning by the age of 50. However, you are less likely to get bald spots like men experience. Women are more likely to have diffuse thinning all over the head. When a pattern does appear, it may spare the hairline but affect the front behind this, the crown, and temporal areas of the scalp. Thinning can begin as early as your 20s in women as well as men, or you may experience the same pattern of hair loss as men do.

What are the causes hair loss in women?

Non-genetic causes of hair loss and thinning occur more frequently in women, so if you are a woman experiencing hair loss, you should be evaluated for other potential causes of hair loss before you consider hair restoration surgery. Changes in hormones, including estrogen, thyroid, and free testosterone can cause thinning. Insulin resistance is another potential factor. Heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, or mercury (found in some fish), can lead to hair thinning.

Some other potential causes of hair loss can be traction alopecia, in which traction due to tight pony tails, braids, or other types of styling leads to thinning above the ears and forehead area of the hairline. Chemical alopecia is due to damage caused by styling chemicals, such as permanents, and some hair dyes.

If you would like to consult with Dr. Keene for a diagnosis as to what is causing your hair loss, she offers a female diagnostic consult for a nominal fee of $100, plus laboratory work if needed.

What are the medical treatments for women with androgenetic alopecia?

FDA approved medical treatment for women is limited to Rogaine, (generic name Minoxidil). Propecia is not recommended for women because it can cause birth defects in the developing male fetus, as well as the fact that it has not been studied in women as it has been in men.
However, if you are postmenopausal, it is a potential treatment. Other treatments may be available and effective, and Dr. Keene is continuing to research this.

Who is a candidate for hair restoration surgery?

  • If you have been diagnosed with androgenetic alopecia, you may be a candidate for surgery. As long as there is a donor area available in the back of the head that is not thinning, the transplanted hair will be permanent. The extent of your hair loss is also a factor.
  • If you do not know the cause of your hairloss, Dr. Keene recommends that you  be diagnosed to determine if there are other treatable causes for your hairloss before you consider hair restoration surgery. Hair restoration surgery will not be effective if you have other causes of hair less aside from androgenetic alopecia. If your thinning is caused by a hormonal disorder, for example, hormonal supplementation may be what is needed. If you would like Dr. Keene to diagnose the cause of your hairloss, she can do so for a nominal fee of $100 plus labs fees. She does not work with insurance, so if you already have a diagnosis from a dermatologist, including lab tests, that indicate you have androgenetic alopecia, there is no fee for a hair transplant consultation. 
  • If you have had plastic surgery, such as a brow lift or a face-lift, we can easily fill in your hairline and camouflage any scars resulting from the surgery.
  • If you have not noticed hair loss but simply want to bring your hairline down, you are likely a canididate for hair restoration surgery

Please call 800-840-9761 or 520-290-5555 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Keene for her to provide a diagnosis and treatment plan (if possible) or hair restoration surgery for genetic hair loss.

View photos of hair restoration surgery in women here