Testing
A scalp examination is needed in order to determine the problem
before any type of hair transplantation procedure can be performed. If
the examination indicates that hair loss has occurred for reasons other
than male or female pattern baldness other diagnostic measures
must be explored to determine whether hair transplantation is the right
solution for the problem.
Other Reasons for Hair Loss
- Thyroid hormone imbalance
- Nutritional imbalances
- Side effects of certain drugs
- Anaemia and other systemic illnesses
- Psychological stress
Hair Pull
When it is not evident why a patient is experiencing hair loss, a hair
pull test is usually done to assess the presence or absence of any abnormalities
in the hair growth cycle.
Hair Pull Procedure
- About 25 to 50 hairs are gently pulled from the scalp.
- The hairs are either clipped or shaved in an area of the scalp and
evaluated.
- Hair should not be easily extracted.
- An abnormality of hair growth cycling is usually indicated if many
hairs are extracted during the procedure.
- Hair growth is examined for a period of time after.
Biopsy
A biopsy may need to be performed to evaluate the mechanism of hair loss
inside the hair follicle.
Hair Shaft Analysis
If a hair shaft abnormality or infection is suspected, hair shafts removed
from the scalp are examined. Fungal, bacterial or viral infections can
be the cause for hair loss.
A hair analysis may be needed in order to determine the cause
and mechanism of a hair shaft abnormality.
After you have been diagnosed you can begin to explore various hair
restoration options.
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