Q: Would I be a candidate for hair transplant, or would there be too much area to cover and not enough grafts? (photo)
As someone in their early 20's exhibiting significant hair loss, it is vitally important to begin a committed plan to prevent further loss. You are a bit too young for a transplant at this point and it would be important to document the slowing or stopping of continued loss. Once you are undertaking a vigorous prevention program for a year or so then you would be able to consider a restoration procedure.
There are several modalities that have been shown to prevent and possibly reverse your hair loss. These include the use of topical minoxidil, oral finasteride, PRP (platelet rich plasma) injections and the use of low level laser therapy (LLLT).
Minoxidil (Rogaine) is a compound that increases the blood flow to the scalp after it is applied topically. This is thought to help the folllicle cells produce stronger and healthier hairs It should be applied to the scalp in the areas of loss once a day.
Finasteride (Propecia) is a medication that decreases the formation of the compound dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is produced from the metabolism of testosterone by the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. It promotes hair loss in genetically susceptible people. Finasteride blocks the enzyme and thus prevents DHT from being formed. DHT blood levels in those taking the drug are markedly decreased. Thus with less DHT at the site of the follicle, there is less hair loss.
PRP treatments involve injecting a concentration of platelets into the area of hair loss. Platelets have compounds called growth factors which are used by every cell in the body to help them carry out their functions. By providing these growth factors to the follicle, it is felt that hair loss is prevented and stronger hairs are produced. In a treatment, a vial of blood is collected from your arm and spun in a centrifuge. This concentrates the platelets into a specific layer of plasma (liquid portion of blood) which is then injected into the scalp in the areas of loss. The entire process takes from 30 to 45 minutes but the actual injections are done in about five minutes.
LLLT is a treatment in which light of a very specific wavelength is emitted from a laser cap. The light is then absorbed by mitochondria in the follicle cells. Mitochondria are the energy factory of the cell and produce ATP which is the energy molecule of the body. The laser light helps the mitochondria produce more ATP. This energy molecule is used by the follicle cell to produce stronger healthier cells.
Therefore in those with hair loss, especially younger people, prevention is so important! Get on a prevention regimen and be persistent with it. These modalities will slow/stop your hair loss and in some people even regrow stronger, healthier hair.