Hi there,last year I was on a medication that caused significant hair thinning. It caused the follicles to shrink and now my hair sheds a lot and is easily pulled out.It's giving me self esteem issues - and my hairdresser suggested doing a few tracks of taped in hair extensions to thicken my hair.Question - is it risky? Is the weight of the taped hair likely to pull out my natural hair and leave a bald patch?thanks!
Answer: Thinning hair Dear SStewart613, Thank you for your clinical post. Hair extensions may cause further traction alopecia, that is tension that damages the hair follicle and causes thinning of the hair, but this is unusual. However, more concerning is the medication that lead to the thinning in the first place. I would seek out a consultation with a physician whose expertise is medical management of hair and see if there’s any restorative non-surgical treatments that you could engage in. Low-level light therapy, plasma rich protein, topical nutrient shampoo and Minoxidil can all be integrated to try and enhance the thickness of your hair. Traction alopecia from extensions needs to be considered as the healthy robustness of your follicles may be compromised from the medication. I would seek out the consultation of a physician such as Dr. Donovan in Toronto who is an expert in the medical management of hair and the causes of its loss. I hope this information is of some assistance and best of luck. R. Stephen Mulholland, M.D. Certified Plastic Surgeon Yorkville, Toronto
Helpful
Answer: Thinning hair Dear SStewart613, Thank you for your clinical post. Hair extensions may cause further traction alopecia, that is tension that damages the hair follicle and causes thinning of the hair, but this is unusual. However, more concerning is the medication that lead to the thinning in the first place. I would seek out a consultation with a physician whose expertise is medical management of hair and see if there’s any restorative non-surgical treatments that you could engage in. Low-level light therapy, plasma rich protein, topical nutrient shampoo and Minoxidil can all be integrated to try and enhance the thickness of your hair. Traction alopecia from extensions needs to be considered as the healthy robustness of your follicles may be compromised from the medication. I would seek out the consultation of a physician such as Dr. Donovan in Toronto who is an expert in the medical management of hair and the causes of its loss. I hope this information is of some assistance and best of luck. R. Stephen Mulholland, M.D. Certified Plastic Surgeon Yorkville, Toronto
Helpful