Miniaturisation or telogen hairs? (Photo)

Your story would suggest that a TE is at least one part of your diagnosis. Whether androgenetic alopecia is present really can’t be determined from the photos you have submitted. There may be some subtle anisotrichosis (variation in hair caliber) in the photos submitted.  However the photos are not sufficient to render any type of diagnosis.

Your story is consistent with telogen effluvium from the rapid weight loss, and this should improve with time.  However, especially given your family history of hair loss, you may also be in the early stages of androgenetic alopecia.  I would suggest a visit to a local hair restoration physician for a complete exam and discussion of what you can do to slow down and treat your hair loss, such as finasteride (Propecia), laser (LLLT), platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and minoxidil (Rogaine).

Dear Shvm,Hello and thank you for your excellent question. I suggest that you start Finasteride and Minoxidil, as they are the only two medications for hair loss approved by the FDA. For women of child-bearing age, I use spironolactone instead of finasteride. Both medications have different mechanism of action, and I usually recommend both medications to my patients. Other adjuncts include low-level laser light therapy, PRP, stem cell, or other regenerative medical treatment. Also, you will want to ensure that you are not taking any medications that could be contributing to your hair loss. The main objectives with the combination treatments are to stabilize your hair loss, increase your existing hair fiber diameter, and stimulate some hair regrowth. After those options are completed, I recommend hair transplant, including FUE or FUT. It is best to answer your question during a face-to-face evaluation, when you can discuss your goals and expectations for the procedure, and you can have a physical examination to evaluate for that procedure. I recommend that you find a board-certified, or board-eligible plastic surgeon with whom you are comfortable. Be sure to have all of your questions answered during a face-to-face meeting with your surgeon, and review before and after pictures of similar patients whom have had this procedure. If you have any questions, call our office for assistance. Good luck!

Best,

Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS

Harvard educated plastic surgeon

Texas “Top Doc” 2017, 2018

RealSelf100

America’s Top Plastic Surgeons, Consumer’s Research Council, 2010 – 2018

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