My Daughter Is Missing Half Her Hair After Radiation Treatment Years Ago

Hello Dr,

I have a 12 year old daughter who suffers from partial alopecia due to radiation cancer treatment to her brain at the age of 4. On the lower half of her head she has absolutely no hair, her hair follicles were burnt out by the treatment and on the upper half, her hair is very thin. Is there anything to re-activate the hair follicles? We are desperate for something mostly now that she is approaching her teens. Please let me know. your help is greatly appreciated

There really is no perfect solution in a case like this. If the hair follicles that were damaged from the radiation treatment haven’t regrown by this point, they likely never will. Wigs are one option, hair transplantation may be an option as well, or even various surgical options that move sections of the scalp after stretching it (balloon expanders). I couldn’t say at this point though, as each and every individual is different.

You can come in and let us take a look at your daughter’s hair loss. As you indicated you are in Los Angeles, such a visit may have value. The consultation is free, so please call my office at 310-553-9113 if you’d like to set up an appointment.