Transgender Hair Transplant

Experiencing male pattern baldness or hair loss is distressing for men. However, for transgender women, hair loss can become even more stressful and dysphoric. When women lose hair due to genetics or hormones, it typically falls out in a Christmas tree pattern at the top of the scalp. Therefore, the pattern of loss not only indicates a gender they feel dysphoria around, but it also can take away from a feminine look. Hair transplant surgery is one solution. Dr. Javad Sajan at Allure Esthetic offers the best MTF hair transplant Seattle provides.

Hair transplant surgery involves taking hormone-resistant hair from the back of the head and transplanting it into the scalp at the areas of hair loss. While technically a surgical procedure, patients are not always fully sedated, making it a fairly low-risk surgery overall.

The surgery is most commonly used to treat male pattern baldness. It can also treat female pattern baldness and other causes of hair loss. Some of the frequently seen causes of hair loss include:

• Hormonal changes or conditions such as thyroid problems
• Certain medications
• Stress, particularly prolonged stress
• Infections
• High tension hairstyles
• Bleaching or dyeing hair frequently
• Aging
• Psoriasis
• Scarring on the scalp

Depending on the cause and if you can treat or cease the cause of the hair loss, hair transplantation can help promote quicker and fuller hair growth. As long as you have hair to transplant and treat any root cause of the hair loss, you may be a candidate for hair transplantation.

There are two hair transplantation techniques—follicular unit transplant (FUT) and follicular unit extraction. FUT was the original technique used, but it is falling out of popularity in favor of FUE. At Allure Esthetic, Dr. Sajan uses the FUE method for his transgender hair transplant surgeries.

FUT involved removing a large portion of hair with a linear incision. Removing a patch of hair in this manner often resulted in a large scar along the back of the scalp. While theoretically, the donor hair would regrow over top of the scar, this would not always occur due to the damage and trauma to the skin.

FUE hair transplant uses a specialized, specifically made punch tool that removes small units of a few hairs. Performed on a smaller scale, this rarely results in major scarring or hair loss in the donor area. It also is much less painful and requires less downtime. Today, FUE is the preferred method for hair transplant surgery.

There are several benefits of hair transplantation for transfemale people. Beyond simply addressing hair loss, patients may experience other benefits such as:

• Creation of a more feminine U-shaped hairline
• Treatment of a receding hairline and hair loss elsewhere on the scalp
• Reduction in gender dysphoria
• Uses patient’s real hair
• Low maintenance following recovery period
• Often combined with facial feminization surgery
• Long-term results expected
• Natural-looking results
• Limited downtime and recovery
• Little to no pain
• Almost no chance of visible scarring
• Does not require general anesthesia
• Safe and effective
• Other hair loss treatments can continue after surgery
• Performed by a surgeon experienced in gender-affirming surgery and hair transplant surgery

When undergoing transgender hair transplant surgery with Dr. Sajan, the Allure Esthetic team will start by preparing you for surgery. Once done, you will meet with Dr. Sajan to review the surgical plan, and he may make surgical markings. After this, you will receive your choice of anesthesia. Many patients opt for local anesthesia with oral sedatives or twilight anesthesia instead of full sedation.

Dr. Sajan will start by harvesting the hair grafts from the back and far sides of the head. Unlike with the FUT method, you do not have to shave before surgery. Once Dr. Sajan has enough follicles, he will then begin transplanting them into the scalp. To obtain the most natural feminine look, he does not transplant the hair follicles in a straight line. This can lead to an unnatural result. Instead, he uses your face shape and anatomy as a guide and focuses on creating more thickness in the front.

How Long Will The Transplanted Hair Last?

The transplanted hair is expected to last long term and for several years. Unlike the hair located at the front of the head, it is more resistant to hormones that cause hair loss. However, this does not mean you will never see hair loss in the future, particularly when there are outside causes.

Is Transgender Hair Transplant Painful?

No, most patients remain perfectly comfortable during their MTF hair transplant. Local anesthesia is used to numb any pain. However, you may still feel some pressure and slight discomfort during the procedure. Hair restoration surgery is some of the least invasive procedures performed by plastic surgeons and generally is not overly painful.

What Is Recovery Like After Transgender Hair Transplants?

Recovery after a hair transplant is often fairly easy and causes low pain. However, you will still need to follow some basic recovery instructions to promote the best possible results. Some of the directions Dr. Sajan may provide will include the following:

• Do not wear hats or anything on the head
• Avoid strenuous activities, though most basic daily activities and light walking are usually fine
• Do not smoke
• Keep the transplantation site from touching the pillow when you sleep
• Wash your hair only when and how directed
• Do not scratch or pick at the transplant or donor areas
• Avoid combing or brushing for a week
• Protect your scalp and hair from the sun

Dr. Sajan will provide more customized instructions based on the specifics of your procedure. Every MTF hair transplant surgery and patient is slightly different in nature. Thus, they may require varying recovery care.

What Is Donor Dominance?

Donor dominance is the term to describe the way that the transplanted hair acts. Even though it is moved from one area to another, it does not necessarily take on the characteristics of the new area. It will continue to grow and act like its old habitat.

When it comes to treating male pattern baldness, this procedure is revolutionary because the hair on the back of the head appears immune to the hormonal and genetic factors that contribute to hereditary hair loss. Therefore, when placed into follicles that are sensitive to these factors, they seem to remain immune. This is why transgender hair transplants can provide long-term results to patients wanting to fill in their hairline for a more feminine look.

Will I Need Multiple Hair Transplants?

To achieve your desired density and thickness, you may need multiple hair transplant surgeries. You can also consider using other hair restoration methods alongside hair transplant. However, it is best to have a consultation with Dr. Sajan and determine the best treatment plan for your transgender hair restoration journey.

Dr. Javad Sajan is one of the leading plastic surgeons performing gender-affirming surgery in the United States. He has performed hundreds of gender-affirming surgeries with varying techniques, including male-to-female hair transplant surgery. Along with transgender hair transplants, Dr. Sajan also specializes in top surgery, tracheal shave, and facial feminization. Dr. Sajan provides the best transgender hair transplant Seattle offers.

Allure Esthetic makes the experience of seeking any gender-affirming procedure a seamless experience from start to finish. Dr. Sajan and the team have worked extensively with the transgender and LGBTQIA community to create a safe and affirming environment.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Sajan at Allure Esthetic, call us at 206-209-0988. You can also reach out online via chat, contact form, or Price Simulator.