Updated 19/10/23
Losing hair when you shampoo or finding hair on your pillow in the morning can be concerning. It’s not uncommon for a person to lose a few hairs every day. However, if you’re finding large amounts of hair falling out, you may have a condition called alopecia areata. But don’t lose hope; there is help for your condition. You may want to consider an alopecia hair transplant procedure.
What is Alopecia Areata?
Alopecia areata is a form of hair loss caused by an autoimmune disorder. The condition causes hair to fall out in clumps. The clumps of hair can be as large as a quarter. The loss of air caused by alopecia areata varies from person to person.
Each person’s hair loss is different from everyone else’s. For instance, some people may lose hair in several spots, while others lose most of their hair. In some cases, the hair may grow back and fall out again at some point in the future. However, some people may have all their hair grow back for good.
There are several types of alopecia; alopecia areata is the most common form of hair loss.
What are the Symptoms of Alopecia Areata?
You may notice the following symptoms if you have alopecia areata:
- Small bald patches form on the scalp or other parts of the body
- Bald patches may be round or oval-shaped.
- Patches may get larger and grow together into a bald spot
- Hair grows back in one spot and falls out in another
- More hair loss in cold weather
- Bald patches are smooth with no rash or redness.
- Itching/burning on skin before the hair falls out
- Fingernails and toenails become red, brittle, and pitted
Alopecia areata can cause hair loss at any age in both men and women. Some people may develop hair loss during their teen years. About half of these people see hair regrowth within 12 months without medical treatment. However, it’s also possible that their hair may never regrow.
What Causes Alopecia & What are the Risk Factors?
Alopecia areata is caused by an autoimmune disorder, but what does this mean? An autoimmune disorder means that your body’s immune system is attacking your body. With alopecia areata, the immune system attacks the hair follicles, causing the hair to fall out and baldness to develop.
Researchers are not sure what causes this autoimmune condition. However, they believe this may be a genetic condition that’s triggered by something in the body and environment.
You’re more at risk for alopecia areata if you have any of the following:
- A family member who has this condition
- Asthma
- Pernicious anaemia
- Thyroid disease
- Down syndrome
- Seasonal allergies
- Vitiligo
What’s the Outlook for Alopecia Areata?
Alopecia areata is not usually a life-threatening condition; however, it can cause stress, sadness, and anxiety for patients who are diagnosed with this autoimmune condition. Thankfully, there are support groups available for patients to find support in dealing with the condition.
What are the Treatment Options for Alopecia Areata?
Standard treatment of alopecia areata can include the following:
- Corticosteroids: these are anti-inflammatory medications often used to treat autoimmune diseases. They may be given as an injection directly into the scalp or other areas. Corticosteroids may also be given as a pill, ointment, cream, or foam.
- Minoxidil (Rogaine): is a scalp treatment often used to treat pattern baldness and alopecia. It can take up to 12 weeks before you see hair regrowth.
- Other medications: may be given to treat alopecia and to regrow hair.
FUE Hair Transplant for Alopecia Areata
Another treatment for alopecia areata is FUE (Follicular Unit Excision). Patients who are good candidates for this treatment have small, localised, well-defined bald spots. Patients for this treatment also have had alopecia areata for at least 12 months, with no hair regrowth in the bald areas.
FUE is one of the least surgically invasive treatments for alopecia. For this therapy, strong donor hair is removed from a “donor zone” (usually the back of the head). The hairs are removed from the donor zone in small, natural groupings called follicular units (they may have been 1-4 hairs each). These small groupings are removed with a surgical tool called a micropunch.
Once they’ve been removed, the hair follicle groupings are examined under a microscope. They’re cleaned and checked to ensure they will result in new hair growth. These units are stored in a holding solution while the surgeon creates “recipient” sites in the area where hair has been lost. FUE treatment can take up to I hours and may require two more sessions after the initial treatment.
After the hair follicles have been transplanted, the hair may fall out after 30 days. However, regrowth may start within three months, with full regrowth between 12 to 18 months.
During the FUE Procedure
The surgeon administers a local anaesthetic and sedatives before you’re the procedure. Once these medications have taken effect, the surgeon starts the FUE treatment.
The doctor then creates recipient sites (also called slits), with the hair units placed starting from the hairline and working back. The doctor and his assistant(s) work to ensure that the hair units are placed to create areas that look like natural hair growth.
Once the FUE procedure is finished, the patient receives a post-operative treatment, medications, and an after-care plan to ensure the hair transplant is as successful as possible.
FUE FAQs
Here are some common questions our patients ask about the FUE procedure:
Does the FUE procedure cause scarring?
FUE is a minimally invasive procedure that leaves small signs of a hair transplant. The places where hair units have been placed are small and heal over time, blending in with natural hair and skin complexion.
Is the FUE procedure Painful?
No, the doctor ensures that the FUE procedure is not painful. Some patients may feel some mild discomfort when the local anaesthetic is administered. However, after this, the patient should feel no pain or discomfort.
How much does the FUE procedure cost?
The cost of FUE varies, depending on several factors. For instance, the size of the area treated, the number of hair units required, and more. It’s best to consult with the doctor to learn how much a FUE would cost for your situation.
Summing It Up
Alopecia areata can cause stress, anxiety, and more due to hair loss. The condition is caused by a patient’s immune system attacking the body’s hair follicles.
There are several treatments used for alopecia areata, including FUE. FUE can be a viable treatment option for some alopecia patients.
It’s always best to consult with a doctor for a diagnosis of alopecia areata and to learn what treatment options may work best. So, don’t give up hope! There are several treatments that can result in hair regrowth!
FAQs about Alopecia Hair Transplant
How long does an Alopecia Hair Transplant procedure take?
The duration of the procedure varies depending on the extent of hair loss, but it typically takes between 4 to 8 hours.
Is Alopecia Hair Transplant painful?
Local anaesthesia is used during the procedure, so you won’t feel any pain. Afterward, mild discomfort can be managed with medication.
What is the cost of Alopecia Hair Transplant?
The cost varies, but it’s a long-term investment in your confidence and appearance.
Are there any risks involved?
Like any surgical procedure, there are minimal risks, such as infection or scarring. However, these are rare and can be managed with proper care.
Is there an age limit for Alopecia Hair Transplant?
It is generally recommended for individuals over the age of 18.
How soon will I see results?
The transplanted hair will fall out within a few weeks but will grow back in around three to four months.
