Norwood 7 - which procedure would be best for me? (photos)

Question

I am at Norwood 7, despite several hair transplants that did not work for me over 20 years ago. I do not have any donor area at the back of my scalp. I only have leg hair to use for transplantation. I am not interested in SMP. Can a series of scalp reductions reduce my baldness (extensive)? Or expanders? Would finasteride or minoxidil help in my case? Thank-you! I can post photos if you think they would help.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for your question and the detailed background. Given your Norwood 7 classification and the lack of a viable donor area on your scalp, traditional hair transplant methods using scalp hair are indeed limited. Here are some considerations for your situation:

Scalp Reductions or Expanders: Scalp reduction surgery involves removing sections of bald scalp and stretching the remaining scalp to cover the area. Tissue expanders can also be used to stretch the hair-bearing scalp before a reduction procedure. These methods can reduce the bald area but are generally considered more invasive and may not be suitable for everyone, particularly if the scalp is very tight or if there is limited hair-bearing scalp to work with.

Body Hair Transplant (BHT): Using leg hair for transplantation is an option, though it has mixed results. Body hair has different characteristics compared to scalp hair and may not blend seamlessly. The success of BHT largely depends on the skill of the surgeon and the quality of the body hair.

Medications (Finasteride and Minoxidil): Finasteride (Propecia) and Minoxidil (Rogaine) are commonly used treatments for hair loss. Finasteride works by reducing DHT levels, which can help to slow hair loss and potentially stimulate some regrowth in certain areas. Minoxidil is a topical treatment that can also promote hair growth. However, in advanced stages like Norwood 7, these medications may have limited effectiveness in significantly restoring hair density but could help maintain any existing hair.

Photos: Sharing photos can indeed be helpful for a more specific assessment and tailored advice. They allow a better understanding of your current condition and potential treatment outcomes.

Ultimately, a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist or hair restoration specialist would provide the most accurate and personalized recommendations for your case. They can discuss the potential risks and benefits of each option in detail.

Norwood 7 - which procedure would be best for me? (photos)

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Norwood 7 - which procedure would be best for me? (photos)

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