Can People with Alopecia Areata Have a Hair Transplant?
Alopecia areata, also known as alopecia areata, is one of the most common types of autoimmune hair loss. It causes round, hairless patches on the scalp, beard, and other body areas. Although it can be a concern, it can be treated or controlled in many cases.
One of the most common questions about this type of hair loss is whether people with alopecia areata can get a hair transplant. In this article, we will look at the causes, treatments, and hair transplant options for people with alopecia areata.
What is alopecia areata, and why does it happen?
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks hair follicles, causing hair to stop growing in certain areas of the head or body. It usually appears as small, round patches on the scalp, but it can also occur in other areas, such as the beard, eyebrows, eyelashes, and even the body.
Causes of Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, causing sudden, round, small patches of hair loss. Stress, genetic factors, and certain underlying conditions can contribute to this problem, which we will discuss below.
- Autoimmune disorders: The immune system mistakenly identifies hair follicles as foreign and attacks them.
- Genetics: Family history can play a role in the development of this disease.
- Stress and anxiety: Stress and extreme stress may trigger the condition.
- Viral infections: Some infections can trigger the immune system to attack hair follicles.
- Vitamin and nutrient deficiencies: Deficiencies in vitamin D, iron, zinc, and some other nutrients may contribute to the condition.
Symptoms of patchy hair loss
This type of hair loss usually appears as round, hairless patches on the scalp or other parts of the body. In some cases, people may experience an itchy or burning sensation in the affected area. Here are some of the symptoms:
- Round, hairless patches on the scalp, beard, eyebrows, or body
- Sudden, patchy hair loss over a short period
- Smooth, non-inflammatory skin in the area of loss
- Possibility of hair regrowth (in some cases)
- No scarring or inflammation at the site of loss
Note: In some people, the condition may progress to alopecia totalis (complete hair loss on the head) or alopecia universalis (total hair loss on the body).
Patchy hair loss treatment in Iran
Currently, there is no definitive cure for alopecia areata, but some methods can stimulate hair regrowth and slow the progression of the disease.
1. Medication
- Corticosteroids (injectable, oral, or topical): These drugs suppress the immune system, preventing it from attacking hair follicles.
- Minoxidil: A topical solution that may stimulate hair regrowth.
- Anthralin: An anti-inflammatory cream used to stimulate hair growth.
- Immunosuppressants (such as methotrexate or cyclosporine): Recommended for more severe cases.
2. Specialized treatments
- Hair PRP: Injecting platelet-rich plasma into the scalp to stimulate hair growth.
- Light therapy (laser or UVB): Used in some cases to reduce inflammation and stimulate hair growth.
- Topical immunotherapy: Using specific chemicals (such as diphtheria) to stimulate an immune response and regrow hair.
Can people with alopecia areata have a hair transplant in Iran?
Short answer: It depends!
Hair transplants in Iran are not recommended for people with alopecia areata in most cases because the root of the problem is the immune system attacking the hair follicles. As a result, even if new hair is transplanted through the transplant, there is a chance that it will fall out again.
People with alopecia areata are usually not suitable candidates for hair transplantation in Shiraz, except in certain circumstances. This autoimmune disease causes the immune system to attack hair follicles, resulting in coin-shaped areas of hairless hair.
Hair transplantation alternatives for people with alopecia areata
Alternatives to hair transplantation in Iran for people with alopecia areata can include the following:
- Drug treatments such as minoxidil, corticosteroids, and JAK inhibitors.
- Mesotherapy and PRP to stimulate hair regrowth.
- Using hair prostheses or non-invasive methods to cover thinning areas.
As a result, hair transplantation is not suitable for all patients with alopecia areata and depends on the severity of the disease, its persistence, and the opinion of a specialist. Therefore, consultation with a dermatologist and hair specialist is essential before taking any action.
What is hair filler?
Hair Filler Treatment in Iran
Who can have a hair transplant with alopecia areata?
People whose alopecia areata is stable and has remained for a long period without recurrence can be a good option for hair transplantation. Also, a careful examination of the immune system and consultation with a specialist doctor is necessary before undergoing transplantation.
- If hair loss has stopped and has not returned for more than 2 years.
- In mild cases where only a limited area is affected.
- In people whose diagnostic tests indicate low disease activity.
- If the specialist doctor considers hair transplantation safe after examining the conditions.
Who should not have hair transplantation?
People whose hair loss is active, have uncontrolled autoimmune diseases, or suffer from problems such as advanced diabetes and coagulation disorders should not have hair transplantation. Also, those who have unrealistic expectations of the results of the transplantation will not be a good option.
- People whose disease is active and are still experiencing new loss.
- Those whose alopecia areata constantly recurs.
- Those who have alopecia totalis or universalis.
- Those who do not respond to drug treatments.
Note: Even if hair transplantation is possible for some patients, there is still a possibility of hair loss returning. Therefore, consulting a specialist doctor is essential before making any decision.
Conclusion: Hair transplantation for people with alopecia areata, Yes or No?
If the disease is not active, hair transplantation may be an option but with high risks!
If the disease is active, hair transplantation is usually not effective, and there is a possibility of hair loss returning.
The best way to deal with alopecia areata is to use scientific treatment methods and control the disease. Ultimately, consulting a dermatologist and hair specialist will be the best solution to decide on a hair transplant.
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