Does Hair Transplant Works for Alopecia Areata?

Are you suffering from a condition of unpredictable hair loss irrespective of age? That is alopecia areata. The quest for effective treatments for alopecia areata has led some doctors to explore the potential of hair transplants. Although rare, there have been instances where hair transplant in Istanbul,Turkey have shown success in treating alopecia areata, particularly in cases where the hair loss has remained stable for an extended period, with no further progression or regrowth. Remarkably, it is noted that post-transplant, the patient can achieve an impressive 80% regrowth of hair. In this blog, we will discuss Alopecia Areata, its symptoms, treatment, and the best clinic for hair transplant for alopecia areata, rendering hair transplants potentially ineffective in the long run.

What is Alopecia Areata & How is it Caused?

Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the body’s white blood cells attacking the hair follicles, leading to hair shedding and the formation of round or oval bald patches on the scalp.

Types of alopecia areata

Alopecia areata manifests in various types, all stemming from the same autoimmune condition but presenting differently:

Patchy alopecia areata
This common type exhibits small, round, or oval bald patches scattered across the scalp.

Alopecia totalis
A progressive form resulting in complete scalp hair loss, leaving individuals entirely bald.

Alopecia Universalis
This type extends beyond the scalp, affecting hair across the entire body and resulting in complete hair loss.

Alopecia barbae
Targeting the beard area, alopecia barbae causes patchy or complete beard hair loss.

Diffuse alopecia areata
A less common variation characterized by widespread hair thinning across the scalp, sometimes challenging to distinguish from other hair loss conditions.

Alopecia ophiasis
A rare subtype affecting the back and sides of the head while sparing the hair on the top and front of the scalp.

Who is Affected by Alopecia Areata?

Approximately 2% of the general population experiences alopecia areata in their lifetime, affecting both genders equally and being more prevalent in children than adults. About 40% of patients encounter initial symptoms by age 20, with up to 88% experiencing symptoms by age 40.

Symptoms of Alopecia Areata
Aside from sudden hair loss leading to bald patches, individuals may notice:

• changes in their nails
• Itching, tingling, burning sensation where hair loss occurs or is imminent
• irritated eyes if eyelashes or eyebrows are affected.

FUE Hair Transplant for Alopecia Areata

Under local anesthesia, the FUE hair transplant for alopecia areata procedure is performed to ensure minimal discomfort. For those feeling anxious or tense, the option of a sedative is available. Utilizing a tiny punch, groups of follicles or hair grafts are extracted from the safe donor area situated at the back or side of the head. The punch, typically 0.75-1mm in diameter, varies depending on the hair type and skin condition in the donor area. These punches create small wounds that heal rapidly, leaving behind virtually undetectable scarring. Subsequently, the surgical team meticulously implants the hair grafts into minute incisions within the thinning areas of the scalp. These incisions are intricately designed for angulation, depth, and hair direction, ensuring a natural and aesthetically pleasing outcome. With FUE hair transplant for alopecia areata there are positive results in getting the hair regrowth.

How Much Does a Hair Transplant Cost for Alopecia?

Our analysis involved surveying 87 hair transplant clinics to assess the actual cost and value within hair transplant in Turkey industry. Focusing solely on clinics in Istanbul offering Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), known as Turkey’s primary destination for international tourism, we sought to compare the findings with our previous study on hair transplant costs. Employing identical photographs (depicting a male patient with Norwood Stage 2-3) for both studies, we obtained the following insights:

• The average hair transplant cost in Turkey is £1,464 / €1,745 / $1,840.
• Quotes ranged from the lowest at £850 / €1,000 / $1,050 to the highest at £2,490 / €3,000 / $3,150.
• The average price per graft amounted to £0.55 / €0.46 / $0.69.
• 90% of the quotes encompassed a minimum of 2 nights’ accommodation.
• All quotes included airport transfers to and from the hotel.
• On average, surgeons possessed 12 years of experience in conducting hair transplant in Turkey.
• 19% of the emails sent bounced back, suggesting that nearly a fifth of the clinics advertising hair transplants may no longer be operational.

Can Hair Transplant Cure Alopecia Areata?

Typically, hair transplant for alopecia areata are employed to address hair loss resulting from male pattern baldness or female pattern hair loss, which are the most prevalent forms of hair loss affecting a larger population compared to alopecia areata. Therefore, if you haven’t received a confirmed diagnosis yet, it’s advisable to schedule an appointment with a hair loss specialist to ascertain the underlying cause of your hair loss and obtain comprehensive information regarding the suitability of hair transplant in Turkey.

Other Treatments for Alopecia Areata

Managing alopecia areata poses a considerable challenge due to its unpredictable nature. Nonetheless, various treatments have demonstrated efficacy in addressing this condition, including:

1. Corticosteroid injections
2. Application of steroid creams for hair loss
3. Use of Minoxidil
4. Application of Anthralin cream
5. Contact immunotherapy
6. Administration of Olumiant
7. Pfizer’s alopecia drug rociletinib (currently undergoing FDA/EMA approval)
8. Utilization of immunosuppressant drugs
9. Incorporation of antihistamines

Recent research suggests that artificial hair transplant in Turkey may offer potential benefits for total alopecia areata.

Grace Touch Clinic

At Grace Touch Clinic, we specialize in diagnosing and treating various hair loss conditions at our top clinic for hair transplant in Turkey. Our expert team will devise a personalized hair transplant for alopecia areata strategy tailored to expedite the restoration of your hair. Take advantage of our complimentary consultation to learn more about your options and embark on your journey toward hair restoration.