I have traction alopecia. How many grafts will I need on my edges? Do I have any non surgical options at this stage? (photos)

Question

My traction alopecia is more severe on my right than left. My right side has an area that shiny and smooth to touch. Does this mean only surgery is my option?

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

You can consider non surgical option such as Scalp Micropigmentation for traction alopecia.  There are examples on my photo album.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

Yes, hair transplantation is the only option. 1600-2400 grafts are needed depending on your goals for where to place the hairline and the ultimate thickness. Be sure to get iron, thyroid, vitamin D and basic blood tests (hemoglobin) and have a good discussion with your doctor on who to prevent this and figure out if hairs beyond the area of hair loss are also damaged.

R. Stephen Mulholland, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear AK1986,

Thank you for your clinical post and
photographs.  It does appear that your
medical condition is traction alopecia and that surgical restoration through
hair grafting is your best option.  A
more complex technique such as scalp expansion and forehead advancement could
provide excellent coverage, but will require prolonged surgical intervention,
higher risk and greater recovery. 
Follicular unit extraction and transplantation use an automated and
robotic techniques is an excellent non-linear scarring way to restore a
hairline.  Likely 2,500 to 3,000
follicular units would be required with an artistic placement of single hair
follicular units at the frontal hairline and double and triple hair shaft
family units behind that.

Non-surgical options would be
limited.  Wigs, micropigmentation,
topical vasodilators, plasma rich protein, microneedling and low-level light
therapy would all be unlikely to provide any enhanced densification.

I hope this information is of some
assistance and best of luck.

To find out more, please visit the
link below.

To schedule a consultation simply
fill out the online request form or call the number and a SpaMedica service
representative will be with you promptly.

R. Stephen Mulholland, M.D.

Certified Plastic Surgeon

Yorkville, Toronto

Sheldon S. Kabaker, MD FACS (retired) · Answer

Your only non surgical options are wigs. Hair transplants or surgical scalp advancement after scalp expansion is another surgical option to grafts.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

The number  of grafts depends upon the shape and location of the hairline you design and if you want temple peaks put back. The range would run between 1300-2200 graft, assuming that you have medium or coaurse hair.

I have traction alopecia. How many grafts will I need on my edges? Do I have any non surgical options at this stage? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Traction hair loss

Answer: Traction hair loss

Answer: HOW MANY GRAFTS DO i NEED

Answer: HOW MANY GRAFTS DO i NEED

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about FUE Hair Transplant

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

I have traction alopecia. How many grafts will I need on my edges? Do I have any non surgical options at this stage? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Traction hair loss

Answer: Traction hair loss

Answer: HOW MANY GRAFTS DO i NEED

Answer: HOW MANY GRAFTS DO i NEED

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about FUE Hair Transplant

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.