Only through a consultation with the doctor can the question of candidacy truly be answered.
There are many factors that determine whether someone is a candidate for a hair transplant. Generally speaking, the following reasons would make someone NOT a candidate for surgery: younger than age 25, various medical reasons/conditions, type of thinning (diffuse rather than pattern alopecia), lack of hair in donor area (this is the most common disqualifying reason that we see) and most importantly, unrealistic expectations. Disqualifying medical conditions typically include diseases of the autoimmune system (scarring alopecia, alopecia areata, lupus).
Women, unfortunately, typically present with diffuse thinning and for that reason are often not candidates.
The Facts
- A hair transplant does not stop hair loss; however the follicles are as permanent as the hair in the donor area (the sides and back of the head) which is generally predetermined not to fall out.
- A hair transplant is a redistribution of the finite amount of donor hair. The utmost care must be taken to not waste any hair from this area.
- A consult with the physician or physician’s assistant is critical to getting a true medical diagnosis and establishing a hair restoration plan with realistic expectations.