The majority of people notice hair loss as they age – beyond the standard 50-100 strands per day. Unfortunately, forecasting future hair loss because a grandparent or parent suffers from shedding or thinning locks isn’t always possible. In some cases, when hair loss takes shape, the condition is due to genetics. Male-pattern baldness and female-pattern baldness manifest in different ways, but both are classified as heredity conditions. However, predicting the severity of your impending hair loss can’t be done through looking at old photographs.
Hereditary Hair Loss
Hereditary hair loss typically begins in 20s and 30s. For women, the most apparent hair loss happens after menopause. Female-pattern hair loss is typically referred to as androgenetic alopecia, which is technically the same categorization as male-pattern baldness. However, male-pattern baldness takes a characteristic shape, which is why such phrasing is more commonly used.
Hair loss after a stressful life event or during pregnancy is short-term and therefore, not due to genetics. But hereditary hair loss that starts widespread and takes an obvious form is permanent.
Solutions
There are many treatments for hereditary hair loss, including minoxidil (Rogaine) and Finasteride (Propecia), but both are temporary solutions. Once use is discontinued, the regrowth effects disappear and patients lose the hair retained or restored from the medications.
The only permanent solution for hereditary hair loss is surgery. In the past, hair restoration surgery transplanted plugs of skin with up to 15 hairs. We do the procedure differently at the Miami Hair Transplant Institute through modernized techniques to achieve the most natural-looking results.
One such technique known to enhance results is Mosaic Hair Restoration. Through this process, qualified surgeons design the recipient site to mimic the unique follicular unit arrangement pattern natural to the scalp.
Follicular Isolation Technique (FIT) was co-developed by Dr. Rose and involves removing groupings of hair, called follicular units, individually. Using a tiny punch device, each donor hair is isolated and extracted. FIT eliminates an obvious linear scar and allows for faster healing methods compared to alternative methods of extraction. FIT is typically designated for patients who prefer to wear their hair short and who do not require many grafts.
Follicular Unit Grafting (FUG) is commonly referred to as “single strip harvesting” because the donor tissue is removed in one piece to preserve the follicular units and prevent damage to the individual hair follicles. Dr. Rose developed the LEDGE closure technique to minimize scarring from donor strip sites which we have now been practicing for years.
Through a personalized consultation, Dr. Rose and Dr. Nusbaum will determine which technique works best for you and your lifestyle. To get started on the path toward permanent hereditary hair loss reversal, contact us at 205-448-9100 or request an appointment online.