Not Sure if I Have Enough Donor Hair 15 Years After My Last Transplant

I am a female, caucasion woman in her early 50’s. My hair color is blonde (treated now to hide the grey) and my scalp is fair. I had hair transplant surgery with NHI about 15 years ago (about 1800 grafts–I think in Palo Alto.) Anyway, 15 years later the transplanted hair is about all that is left at the top of my scalp. The doctor did tell me that since I have male pattern baldness (yes, he told me male pattern) that eventually the rest of my hair at the top would fall out, and I would be left with the transplanted hair. Which is where I am now. I am also noticing that my hair is more brittle (probably due to my age). I am so thankful that I had the surgery 15 years ago, because if I hadn’t I would be pretty much bald.

I have been using the Ovation Therapy system for about a month without much success. I’m contemplating another transplant, but don’t think I have enough donor hair to get the density of hair that I desire. I’m sure the cost is much more now too. I’m considering laser hair treatments. I know this isn’t your area (laser), but what are your thoughts? How do you suggest I proceed … next steps?

You should come in to see me (Dr. Rassman) or Dr. Pak for an examination and an opinion. If you lost only the native hair and had only one session with us, you probably can have another. We’d have to see the donor hair to make any determination, though. We’re no longer in Palo Alto, but we do have an office in San Jose, so we’re still nearby.

As for laser hair treatments, I’ve been very outspoken about them in the past on this site. I’ve yet to see any great results in treating genetic hair loss by using this low level laser light technology (LLLT), but ultimately it is up to you.

With regard to the diagnosis of male pattern baldness, I’d have to assume the doctor must’ve slipped and actually meant female genetic balding… but we can straighten that out when we see you.