It’s often assumed that hair loss primarily affects men, but we hear from our female patients all the time who are concerned by thinning hair. We recently sat down with Dr. Hector Salazar-Reyes, one of our incredible board certified plastic surgeons here at La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre, to discuss female hair loss and answer the most frequently asked questions we receive.
Do women have problems with hair loss as well as men?
Yes, absolutely. The aging process affects both women as well as men, but I don’t think the awareness is as great. While male pattern baldness tends to take the limelight, women actually make up around 40% of American hair loss sufferers.
Most commonly, women develop dry and fragile hair or noticeable hair thinning in specific or diffuse areas of their scalp, rather than the receding hairline commonly seen in men. Women can also develop hair loss, especially as they lose the protective effect of estrogens due to the natural aging process.
Are there surgical procedures that increase the likelihood of hair loss?
That is a great question! Occasionally, cosmetic surgical procedures like facelifts and brow-lifts that involve incisions at the hairline or behind the ears can result in hair loss or bald patches that can be noticeable and become a concern for patients.
Also, neurosurgeries (brain or skull surgeries) that require an incision on the scalp can result in linear scars that are deprived of hair and can be very noticeable. For all these situations we have great solutions at La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre.
Is thinning hair a precursor to hair loss?
Sometimes hair thinning is the first stage of hair loss, but it is not always the case. Hair thinning is much more common in women than actual baldness. That being said, in some instances, hair thinning is so severe that it could be the precursor to hair loss or appear as bald spots because the scalp becomes so sparse.
If a woman is concerned with changes in the texture or fullness of her hair or is beginning to see through to her scalp, what should she do?
First of all, don’t panic. There are a number of scientifically proven solutions to strengthening the hair and delay the onset of further thinning—particularly if you start intervention early. As soon as you begin noticing changes in your hair that are impacting your confidence, schedule a consultation for a comprehensive hair assessment and customized treatment protocol.
How do hormones play a part in hair loss?
Male hormones, in a way, have deleterious effects on the hair follicles. Female patients are very susceptible to hormonal changes, and if the delicate balance of estrogens and androgens is disrupted, hair follicles can be more exposed to male hormones and the follicles can suffer. For this reason, an evaluation is necessary to determine the cause of hair loss and to determine a tailored treatment for each patient.
Does LJC offer hair restoration?
At La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre, we offer a comprehensive hair restoration program for both men and women with hair loss or hair thinning problems. During your initial consultation, we will provide you with a thorough hair evaluation at no cost so we can find the appropriate solution for you.
We’d love to help you. Contact us today to schedule your evaluation.
