In situations like yours, I would refer to a Dermatologist for a scalp biopsy to know for sure. Alopecia aerate is managed medically & will almost always fail to grow hair with a transplant. It is an autoimmune disorder where AGA is genetic & response well to transplant.
Typically, a Dermatologist with a scalp biopsy is what I would trust. After all, skin is an organ all to itself & a dermatologist is a specialist in skin (of which hair is an appendage of skin.) There is the possibility of a patient having both at the same time, however, with my patience, I explain that TE
(telogen effluvium) will typically resolve over time, but AGA (androgenic alopecia) usually worsens with time, as it is a progressive disease. The dermatologist will assist the patient on treatment of both.
One of the most difficult parts of hair restoration procedures is waiting for a satisfactory growth to finally occur. The comparison of "watching grass grow" is similar. My patients are no different & the result at 8 months is disappointing to most patients. I use a magnification scope to reassure my patients. With a 50 power lens, I can show my patients what is similar to a garden just starting to grow with the little seedings barely at the surface. It's similar with a great number of the hair follicles.
I ask my patients not to worry & realize that it takes more time to improve.
Typically, the vast number of patients are feeling much happier at 12 months. Your pictures are about where most patients are at 8 months growth.