Hair Loss in Women
in Bucks County, PA, and Hunterdon County, NJ

Emotional Consequences of Female Hair Loss

Baldness and thinning of the hair is more emotionally and psychologically devastating for women than men because male pattern baldness is fairly common in society. Female pattern hair loss can negatively impact a woman's self-esteem and feelings of attractiveness because society deems women unattractive and less feminine when they suffer from balding and thinning of the hair.

Dr. Buinewicz understands the social and psychological impact of female pattern hair loss, which is why he specializes in treating the disease. With his professional expertise and compassion combined, Dr. Buinewicz will find the right solution for your condition, so you no longer have to suffer in silence.

Causes of Female Hair Loss

In most cases of male pattern baldness, the condition can be linked to a family history of male pattern hair loss. In women, however, hair loss can be triggered by a variety of circumstances and conditions.

Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA) Causes

Androgenic alopecia, also known interchangeably as male pattern baldness or female pattern baldness, is a common form of hair loss experienced by both men and women. However, unlike men, women who suffer from the condition tend to lose hair all over the scalp and not just in specific areas, and as a result of this distinction, Dr. Buinewicz uses the Ludwig female baldness classification system to diagnose his female patients.

Non-AGA Causes

Other possible causes of female pattern hair loss are:

• Illnesses, such as viral and bacterial infections, and damage caused by fungus.
• Trichotillomania, an impulse control disorder that causes the sufferer to pull out his or her hair.
• Loose-anagen syndrome, a condition commonly affecting fair-haired individuals, in which growing hair is easily and painlessly pulled from the scalp when brushing or handling the hair.
• Alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease resulting in baldness of the scalp and other areas of the body.
• Scarring alopecia, hair loss that results from trauma, such as injuries or surgical scars.

Causes of Temporary Hair Loss

Similar to male pattern hair loss, female pattern hair loss can be either permanent or temporary. A woman's hair can thin or completely fall out due to certain medications, hormonal changes, or stress, and can completely regrow within a few months. Thyroid problems and pregnancy are the two most common causes of temporary hair loss due to hormonal changes. Even if you suspect your hair loss is temporary, scheduling a consultation with Dr. Buinewicz will help you determine a proper diagnosis and find solutions to minimize further hair loss.

Medical Causes of Female Hair Loss

Female pattern hair loss can be caused by underlying medical conditions, such as:

• Stress-related disorders, including anxiety, post-partum depression, and menopause.
• Connective tissue disorders, such as Lupus.
• Certain types of cancer, such as ovarian cancer.
• Iron deficiency and low iron levels, like those seen in people who suffer from anemia.
• Thyroid disease and dysfunction.
• Poor nutrition due to eating disorders and other unhealthy eating practices.

Drug-Induced Female Pattern Hair Loss

Non-Illicit and illicit drugs can cause temporary and permanent hair loss in women. As an authority on female pattern hair loss, Dr. Buinewicz can pinpoint certain medications that may be causing your hair loss, such as:

• Illegal drugs.
• Weight loss pills.
• Birth control pills, especially those with high concentrations of the hormone progestin, which can shrink and damage the hair follicle.
• Anticoagulants (blood thinners) and medications prescribed for conditions such as gout, seizures, thyroid dysfunction, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
• Chemotherapy, radiation, and other cancer treatments.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Prednisone.

Classification of Female Hair Loss

Dr. Buinewicz uses The Ludwig classification system to diagnose female hair loss. There are three levels of female pattern hair loss under this system, and they are as follows:

• Type I - Early stage female pattern hair loss indicated by thinning of the hair in the crown. Hair loss can still be fairly subtle at this stage, and many women use different hair styling techniques to hide the problem.
• Type II - Indicated by noticeable thinning of about 50 percent of the hair in the crown.
• Type III - Indicated by significant hair loss that leaves the crown bald and completely visible to others.

Women who suffer from Type II and Type III hair loss are usually good candidates for hair restoration surgery, provided they have enough donor hair from the sides and nape of the scalp.

What Is the Cost of Hair Restoration for Hair Loss in Women in Bucks County, PA?

Hair restoration is an ideal treatment option for many women who suffer from female pattern hair loss. Following your consultation with Dr. Buinewicz, you'll receive a detailed breakdown of the cost of your hair restoration surgery and any complementary procedures. Cash, personal checks, and major credit cards are acceptable forms of payment, and we also offer financing to make this treatment as affordable as possible for our patients.

Dr. Buinewicz is the founder of Buinewicz Plastic Surgery, where he specializes in solutions for female pattern hair loss. If you're a woman who lives in or near Hunterdon County, NJ, or Bucks County, PA, and you suffer from hair loss, Dr. Buinewicz can help you take back control of your hair and improve your appearance and self-esteem with hair transplantation surgery. Contact us today to schedule your personal consultation at our office in Doylestown, PA or Flemington, NJ!