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Can Hair Transplant Fix Genetic Hair Loss?
Androgenetic Alopecia, commonly known as male or female pattern hair loss, is the most common cause of hair loss worldwide.
Cause: A combination of genetics and the hormone DHT (dihydrotestosterone). Genetically sensitive follicles miniaturize under DHT exposure.
Process: Known as miniaturization—hair follicles gradually produce thinner, shorter, and lighter hairs until they may stop producing visible hair altogether.
Key Distinction: Hair on the back and sides of the scalp (donor zone) is typically genetically resistant to DHT, which is why it lasts a lifetime and can be successfully transplanted.
Sara’s Comment:Yes, hair transplant is a permanent and effective solution for Androgenetic Alopecia (male and female pattern baldness). It works by relocating your genetically resistant donor hair to thinning areas. However, it is not a cure—it redistributes hair but does not stop the underlying progression of hair loss without ongoing medical management.
Male Pattern Baldness (MPB):
Follows predictable patterns (Norwood Classification).
Typically involves receding temples and thinning crown.
Can progress to extensive baldness.
Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL):
More diffuse; often presents as widening of the part line and overall thinning on top.
The frontal hairline is usually preserved.
Classified on the Ludwig Scale.
This is the core mechanism of AGA:
DHT Binding: DHT attaches to receptors in genetically vulnerable follicles.
Shortened Growth Phase: The hair’s growth (anagen) phase progressively shortens.
Follicle Shrinkage: The follicle miniaturizes, producing a finer, shorter hair each cycle.
End Result: The follicle may become dormant, but it often remains alive, allowing for potential revival with medical treatment.
The universal standard of MPB (Male Pattern Baldness) categorization was described by Dr Norwood in 1975 – the Norwood Classification. However after seeing thousands of cases, we found that many patients do not actually fit into the types.
Women can have Male Pattern Baldness which is typically the receding of hairline into a M-shape. The Norwood system should be used as guideline only.
Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL) has 3 major patterns of hair loss:
Type 1. M-Shaped or high forehead
Type 2.
Thinning at the centerline, extending sidwayType 3. Christmas Tree Pattern – wide in front narrowing down towards crown
Proper diagnosis rules out other conditions (like telogen effluvium or scarring alopecia). Our assessment includes:
Medical & Family History
Scalp Dermoscopy: Magnifies the scalp to assess miniaturization and hair density.
Hair Pull Test: Checks for excessive active shedding.
Digital Scalp Mapping: Provides a baseline to track progression objectively.
AGA management is multi-faceted. A “No Regret” plan often combines approaches.
For Men: Finasteride (oral DHT blocker), Topical Minoxidil (growth stimulant).
For Women: Topical Minoxidil, sometimes Anti-Androgens (e.g., Spironolactone) under specialist care.
Important: Medications require ongoing use. Effects reverse upon stopping.
An adjunct treatment using light to potentially stimulate follicle activity.
The Only Permanent Solution: Surgically moves DHT-resistant follicles from the donor zone to thinning areas.
Goal: Achieve natural density and hairline design.
Best Practice: Integrated with medical therapy to protect non-transplanted hair and ensure long-term results.
Our approach to transplant for AGA is defined by long-term planning:
Donor Conservation: Your donor hair is finite. We create a “Lifetime Graft Budget” to ensure resources for future needs.
Strategic Design: We design a hairline that will age naturally, avoiding overly dense packing in areas at high risk for future loss.
Stability First: For younger patients, we often recommend stabilizing hair loss with medication before any surgery to prevent a “chasing loss” pattern.
Honest Candidacy: We will not recommend surgery if you are not a suitable candidate (e.g., insufficient donor hair, unrealistic expectations, or unstable progression).
Androgenetic Alopecia is genetic, progressive, and driven by DHT. It is the most common cause of hair loss.
Hair transplant is a highly effective, permanent treatment for AGA because it utilizes your own DHT-resistant donor hair.
A transplant does not stop AGA. A comprehensive plan includes ongoing medical therapy to protect non-transplanted hair and ensure lasting results.
Ethical surgery requires lifetime planning. The “No Regret” approach prioritizes donor hair conservation and age-appropriate design over maximum graft counts.
Accurate diagnosis is critical to rule out other hair loss conditions before proceeding.
Success depends on your stage of hair loss, donor hair quality, and long-term plan. Send your photos for a free donor assessment and candidacy review. We’ll provide a straightforward evaluation and outline a sustainable medical or surgical strategy tailored to you.
Images & Information shown are for reference only
Information on this website is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized medical advice. It is not intended to promote our service or imply superiority over another.
Individual results in hair restoration vary significantly and no outcome can be guaranteed. The before-and-after images shown represent possible results — not promises. We recommend seeking independent medical advice to discuss your options … Read More
Pre-Consultation Review
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At Dr. Bertram Hair Transplant, we only offer what aligns with natural results, minimal risk, and realistic expectations. Since 2009, our FUE protocols are in strict accordance with evidence-based guidelines from ISHRS and WFI. Every procedure is internally audited against ABHRS surgical benchmarks.
International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery is the leading global medical association that establishes international practice standards and patient safety protocols.
The American Board of Hair restoration Surgery represents the highest standard. To maintain rigorous certification requirements the physician must demonstrate surgical expertise.
Worls FUE InstituteI serves as the premier educational body focused exclusively on Follicular Unit Extraction methodology. The institute ensures consistent application of safe FUE.
