Alopecia is a common autoimmune disease that can affect hair growth in various areas of the body. Although this condition is not life-threatening, it can have a major impact on a person’s self-esteem. If you struggle with mild to moderate alopecia, it is vital that you understand the available treatment options.

How Is Alopecia Treated?

Once you see a dermatologist for an official diagnosis of alopecia, you may then have several treatment options. Your specific care plan will depend on the amount of hair you have lost, where the hair loss occurs, and what your age is.

For those who have a mild condition or if you are seeking treatment for a child under the age of 10, the use of a corticosteroid applied to the area may be necessary. Some people with mild conditions can also benefit from the use of minoxidil. Minoxidil can help to support hair regrowth in areas impacted by alopecia. For patchy hair loss, your dermatologist may also recommend injections of corticosteroids.

Relief With Hair Transplantations

For those with more advanced alopecia, treatment may include a hair transplantation. These procedures work to replace the damaged hair follicles with new hair follicles that can then produce hair again. This option may be beneficial to those who have long-lasting alopecia or permanent scarring of the area. Hair transplants can involve either micrografts or minigrafts.

Hair transplants with micrografts use one to two hair follicular unit grafts, whereas minigrafts use three to four follicular unit grafts in large numbers. The transplanted hair will grow for approximately 10 days before falling out. New hair will then re-grow in the area after three or four months. By the sixth month, most patients see significant improvement in hair growth in the treated area.

Schedule a Consultation to Learn More About Your Options

To determine which treatment option is appropriate for your alopecia, schedule an appointment with our cosmetic surgeon Alfonso Barrera, M.d. F.A.C.S.

Dr. Barrera is the past president of the Texas Society of Plastic Surgeons and has nearly four decades of experience providing patients across Houston, TX, with top-quality and professional care to ensure they achieve favorable results. Explore your treatment options today by calling 713-468-5200.