The most common type of hair loss seen in women is androgenetic alopecia, also known as female pattern alopecia, or baldness. This is seen as hair thinning predominantly over the top and front of the head. It affects approximately one-third of all susceptible women, but is most commonly seen after menopause. In female pattern hair loss some excess loss of hair is taken into account, but the gradual thinning of hair is when a dermatologist is called upon. Normal hair shedding is approximately 100-150 hairs per day. In female pattern hair loss, when the affected hair is shed, the root grows one in its place that is shorter. Eventually it becomes invisible "peach fuzz". Genetically, hair loss can come from either parent's side of the family.
Female pattern hair loss may begin as early as puberty, and in these cases if there are signs of hormone imbalance, such as excess facial or body hair, a hormone evaluation should be done. Hormonal changes are a common cause of female hair loss. Many women do not realize that hair loss can occur after pregnancy or following discontinuation of birth control pills. It may also follow any sudden physical or psychological stress to the body. If lots of hair begins to fall out throughout the scalp, it’s obviously due to a change in the normal hair cycle: either a short anagen phase or an increase in the number of follicles that enter the telogen phase. This is called telogen effluvium or stress alopecia. A shock to the body’s system, which stresses the hair follicles, is often to blame for this change in cyclical hair events.
The difference between male and female balding is seen in the pattern of hair loss. Men lose hair on the temple, the crown, the bald spot in the back, while female pattern balding goes around the whole top of the head and diffuses. Not coincidentally, the hormone and enzyme receptor sites are also different in varying areas of the scalp -- another reason doctors now believe the loss patterns are caused by different precipitating factors. Another important difference is that while balding in men is almost always the result a genetic predisposition coupled with age; in women, it can happen at any time. In addition, underlying medical conditions can also be the cause of hair loss -- even when true androgenic alopecia is the diagnosis.
Dr. Umar is board certified by the American Board of Dermatology, and is qualified to manage female patients with complaints of hair loss. Dr. Umar often receives referral of female patients from other physicians including other hair transplant doctors who are not certified dermatologists. Dr. Umar may require performing some tests to determine the cause of your hair loss and the best treatment options available.
Not everyone is a good candidate for BHT. Some people do not have the appropriate amount of body hair, while others have unsuitable body hair characteristics.
The procedure is permanent and results are realized within approximately 12-18 months; follow-up is minimal and patients are typically released after one to two years.
Dr. Umar trains doctors to independently provide SFET. He is a faculty at the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Dermatology Program where he instructs residents on the management of hairloss and the art of hair transplantation.
Can you or your loved one benefit from the Umar Procedure of SFET – FUE or SFET – BHT. Call our office at 310-318-1500 or 1877-DERMHAIR. You can also have a direct consultation with Dr Umar by utilizing our free online consultation feature
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