I was wondering if it is possible for an African American to have a successful hair transplant? I do not know anyone who has ever had it performed, and I don’t see too many good photos on the internet.
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Thank you for your question. Not only is it possible for an African American to have a successful hair transplant, often times the result will look thicker than a similar number hairs transplanted into a Caucasian. The reasons for this are that in the African American patient there is less contrast between the hair color and skin color and the curl produced by the hair covers more scalp than straight hair.
When seeking a physician to perform this surgery it is helpful to ask about his or her experience with African American patients. Although the procedure is essentially the same as the surgery performed in patients with straight hair there are some differences that require special attention in the graft dissection and implantation phases of the surgery.
I’m not sure why you haven’t seen many photos of successful surgery, but it certainly is possible to achieve great results. Please see the attached photos.
Sincerely,
James A. Harris, MD, FACS
Member, American Hair Loss Association
Member, International Alliance of Hair Restoration Surgeons
James Harris, MD, FACS James A. Harris, MD, FACS is an internationally prominent surgeon in the field of hair restoration surgery, and a published author of both medical and consumer publications. He is a faculty member of the University of Colorado School of Medicine, where he teaches hair transplantation to resident physicians in training and community physicians. As director of the Hair Sciences Center of Colorado (HSC), he has established a practice dedicated exclusively to providing the very best in medical and surgical treatments for hair loss. As part of this commitment, patient education and the highest standards of care are his first priority. Dr. Harris personally consults with every patient and is always the physician performing the surgery at HSC. Supported by an exceptionally experienced team of nurses and technicians specialized in hair replacement surgery, Dr. Harris' standard of care does not end with surgery. Personalized follow-up attention is provided after the procedure, starting the very next day. This care continues until the hair is grown out and the patient is satisfied. Dr. Harris is a member of the International Alliance of Hair Restoration Surgeons and recommended by the American Hair Loss Association. Visit Dr. Harris Website: www.hsccolorado.com
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‘m a 23 year old black female. I’m currently wearing wigs and hair extensions to cover up the hair loss at the hairline and temple. I’ve noticed over the last few yrs that my hair has gotten worse, now there is barely anything on the sides and the front area. I went to see a dermatologist and she did a biopsy. The results had shown that I have alopecia areata (which does run in my family, my mom and sister suffers from hair loss). My dermatologist started me on monthly steroid injections(which I’ve been doing for 4mths) and I have just started using minoxidil for a month now. I do think it is a mix of traction and alopecia areata but more so alopecia areata. How effective would a hair transplant be for my condition and if I do choose to get a transplant would I have to worry about more damage if it doesn’t work.