Do I have DUPA hair loss? (photos)

Question

After looking at my sides and back closely, I was surprised how much less hair I have in these areas than other bald men. I've been using minoxidil for 6 years and finasteride for 1.5 year with "not bad" results. Also, I never had a hair transplant surgery, and started balding since I was 15. Age: 27 Family history: all men are extremely bald. Will a body hair transplant be a good option if I have DUPA? I look ugly with shaved hair, so I really want to avoid this option. Thank you!

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I suggest seeing an expert to evaluate your hair loss and start non invasive options like PRP/progesterone or consider transplantation. Best, Dr. Emer

Jose Rodríguez-Feliz, MD · Answer

Good question. Hard to tell just from the pictures, but the best thing to do would be to check for miniaturization at the occipital area. If I have to guess from the pictures, you might have some of this going on. The importance of having a formal diagnosis is that conventional hair transplant techniques will not work on you as the donor hair follicles are also sensitive to the androgens causing your hair loss. Hope this was helpful. Good luck!

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

As you may know, I am the doctor who defined and first published this term and this condition. To make the diagnosis, you need to assess your donor area with a video microscope.The diagnosis is made by counting the percentage of miniaturized hairs when compared with terminal hairs. If the percentage is above 20%, then the diagnosis is made. You can do this for yourself (see reference below)

Do I have DUPA hair loss? (photos)

Answers (3)