I have been trying to grow my edges back. Are my bald patches permanent? I am guilty of wearing braids (Photo)

If the sides of your hair has not grown back in over a year, it is likely permanent from traction of wearing braids.  Hair transplant surgery may be an option.

Courageous of you to share this problem.  The braids caused the problem no doubt and you are not alone.  The hair will not be coming back without intervention.  So their is hope for you.John Frank, MDNew YorkOhio

The photos show "traction alopecia". You might get a small amount of improvement with stopping all hairstyling, getting steroid injections (ie at a dermatologist) and using Minoxidil (Rogaine) but is important to understand that it will only be a small improvement. With lesser degrees of hair loss, an improvement can often occur in women with traction alopecia. The best option is hair transplantation or use of a wig/hairpiece. 

You have classic traction alopecia which resulted from the braids you had when you were a child. These pulled out your hair and only a hair transplant can fix this problem