Female

Yes, it can, to some degree, but most effectively if your donor area (back of the scalp) is somewhat thicker in density and the transplanted hairs are concentrated into certain areas - most commonly the frontal region and partline - to provide the most cosmetic benefit.
I see many female patients who have been told by other hair transplant surgeons that nothing can be done for them, yet in many of these cases the reality is that a procedure can improve their hair loss situation - perhaps not as dramatically as they would want, but it is a definite improvement.

Please feel free to send some photos for me to evaluate.

Posted by Jeffrey S. Epstein, MD, FACS

Dear Elvonna - I 
The big challenge in your situation is the quality of your donor hairs - if you have a good density in the back of your scalp, I could anticipate a more impressive result. The other consideration is that, in women of color, there can be a lower percentage of hair growth, resulting in less coverage. The only way to assess the exact amount of hair growth you are likely to experience is to perform a test procedure of say 40 grafts, then waiting 6 months to see how things grow.
The alternative is to proceed with a procedure of 1300 to 1400 or so grafts, filling in both temple areas (500 grafts per side) and placing the remaining 400 or so grafts along the hairline to provide increased density and  perhaps bring it down/forward a bit.  In addition, a second procedure may be desired in the future to provide more density.

I welcome your thoughts.

Posted by Jeffrey S. Epstein, MD, FACS

Yes, it can, to some degree, but most effectively if your donor area (back of the scalp) is somewhat thicker in density and the transplanted hairs are concentrated into certain areas - most commonly the frontal region and partline - to provide the most cosmetic benefit.
I see many female patients who have been told by other hair transplant surgeons that nothing can be done for them, yet in many of these cases the reality is that a procedure can improve their hair loss situation - perhaps not as dramatically as they would want, but it is a definite improvement.

Posted by Jeffrey S. Epstein, MD, FACS

Hair loss and thinning affects the majority of woman particularly after menopause.  It's amazing that the media offers so few stories about this widespread issue.  The first step is to get a regular check-up by your doctor.  Simple blood tests can determine whether you might be having thyroid, hormone or iron issues.  After that, you might require a trip to your dermatologist or facial plastic surgeon for a complete history and possibly a biopsy.  Medical conditions can be treated and the hair loss may be reversible.  If not, your facial plastic surgeon can discuss whether you are a candidate for a hair transplant.

Posted by Jeffrey S. Epstein, MD, FACS

The big challenge in your situation is the quality of your donor hairs-  if you have a good density in the back of your scalp, I could anticipate a more impressive result.  The other consideration is that, in women of color, there can be a lower percentage of hair growth, resulting in less coverage.  The only way to assess the exact amount of hair growth you are likely to experience is to perform a test procedure of say 40 grafts, then waiting 6 months to see how things grow.
The alternative is to proceed with a procedure of 1300 to 1400 or so grafts, filling in both temple areas (500 grafts per side) and placing the remaining 400 or so grafts along the hairline to provide increased density and  perhaps bring it down/forward a bit.  In addition, a second procedure may be desired in the future to provide more density.

Posted by Jeffrey S. Epstein, MD, FACS

With women there is a slightly higher risk of “shock” hair loss- however I have found that with the use of very small recipient sites measuring each less than 0.8 mm on average, along with the use of careful technique, I am able to keep this hair loss to a minimum.
Finally-  as far as GH and other similar agents-  there is some anecdotal evidence of a subtle thickening of existing hairs, however, this has not in any way been proven efficacious.

Posted by Jeffrey S. Epstein, MD, FACS