Causes and stages of alopecia
Alopecia corresponds to a progressive decrease in hair density.
It can be localized or diffuse, temporary or permanent.
It is not a single disease, but a set of situations that can have hormonal, genetic, mechanical, or reactive causes.
ANAGEN, founded by Dr. Gmati and Dr. Ponçon, is a medical center specializing in the management of male and female alopecia.
A precise diagnosis of the cause and stage of hair loss allows for the establishment of an adapted treatment strategy: prevention, stabilization, or restoration by FUE transplant.
Main causes of alopecia
- 1. Androgenetic alopecia
This is the most common form. It is of hormonal and genetic origin: certain follicles are sensitive to DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a hormone derived from testosterone.
This sensitivity causes a progressive miniaturization of the hair until its disappearance.
In men, it begins with the temples or the crown.
In women, it results in diffuse thinning on the top of the scalp.
This is the form most often treated at ANAGEN, through an approach combining medical diagnosis, maintenance treatments, and, when necessary, FUE transplantation. - 2. Traction alopecia
Caused by overly tight hairstyles or repetitive actions, it leads to chronic inflammation of the scalp.
Over time, constant traction destroys the follicles.
In early stages, stopping aggressive hairstyles and mesotherapy may be sufficient to stabilize the situation.
In advanced cases, only transplantation can restore hair growth. - 3. Scarring alopecia
This type of alopecia results from definitive destruction of the follicle, often linked to a burn, infection, trauma, or autoimmune disease.The skin appears smooth and poreless.
A transplant can only be considered after complete stabilization and dermatological advice. 4. Diffuse alopecia
Hair loss is distributed over the entire scalp.
It can be due to intense stress, a deficiency, an illness, significant fatigue, or hormonal changes.
Once the cause is identified, medical care, topical treatments (such as Minoxidil), or mesotherapy often lead to significant improvement.5. Medication and hormonal causes
Certain medical treatments, hormonal imbalances (pregnancy, postpartum, menopause), or endocrine disorders can cause temporary hair loss.
This form is most often reversible after correction of the cause.
At ANAGEN, management then focuses on hair stimulation and strengthening natural regrowth.
Stages of male alopecia
No visible loss.
Medical follow-up recommended in case of family history.
Slightly receding hairline, thinner hair at the temples. Preventive medical treatment or mesotherapy.
The temples are receded and baldness becomes visible.
A localized transplant can be considered if hair loss is stabilized.
The crown thins, the frontal area recedes.
Intermediate FUE transplant and maintenance treatment (Minoxidil, Finasteride, mesotherapy).
The frontal and upper areas meet.
Complete transplant with personalized implantation plan.
The top of the head is bald, only the crown remains dense. Extensive transplant (up to 5000 grafts) over two days, combined with maintenance treatment.
Baldness is complete, leaving only a thin band of hair at the back. A partial transplant or hair supplement can be considered depending on the quality of the donor area.
Stages of female alopecia
(Ludwig Classification)
In women, hair loss is generally diffuse and not localized.
The frontal hairline often remains intact.
- Stage I: slight loss on the central parting.
- Stage II: more pronounced thinning, the parting widens.
- Stage III: significant loss, scalp visible on the crown.
Treatments are based on mesotherapy, Minoxidil, and, in some cases, localized transplants.
ANAGEN's approach
ANAGEN relies on medical and technological expertise to precisely evaluate each case of alopecia.
Each patient benefits from a complete diagnosis:
- trichoscopic analysis,
- study of density and donor area,
- medical history and evolution of hair loss,
- aesthetic goals.
This evaluation allows for a coherent strategy to be proposed:
- medical treatments and mesotherapy in early stages,
- FUE transplant for balding areas,
- aesthetic solutions in advanced stages.
The goal is not just to fill in baldness, but to understand the evolution of alopecia to intervene at the right time and permanently preserve hair.
We answer all your questions
Do not hesitate to call us at 04 78 08 93 63 if your question is not in the list.
1. What is a hair transplant?
A hair transplant is a medical procedure that involves taking hair follicles from a donor area (often the back of the head) to reimplant them in thinning or balding areas.
Transplanted grafts retain their permanent character, allowing for definitive and natural regrowth.
2. What is the difference between FUE and FUT?
FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) is a modern technique that allows grafts to be harvested one by one, without a visible linear scar.
FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation), which is older, involves a surgical strip taken from the back of the head.
FUE is today the most used method for its precision and scar discretion.
3. Who is hair transplant for?
Hair transplant is intended for people suffering from androgenetic alopecia, mainly men between 25 and 60 years old.
A medical evaluation is necessary to check the density and quality of the donor area, as well as the stability of hair loss before considering an intervention.
4. How many grafts can be implanted in one session?
The number of grafts depends on the surface to be treated and the density of the donor area.
A session can range from 1,000 to 6,000 grafts, spread over one or two days depending on the clinical case.
The practitioner determines the most suitable strategy after the diagnosis.
5. Is the procedure painful?
FUE hair transplant is performed under local anesthesia.
The patient is conscious and relaxed throughout the procedure.
Discomfort may be felt after the intervention, but it disappears in a few days with the prescribed care.
6. When does transplanted hair grow back?
Regrowth follows several natural stages:
- Temporary loss of grafts between 2 and 4 weeks after the transplant,
- Start of regrowth around the 3rd or 4th month,
- Visible result at 6 months,
- Final result between 9 and 12 months after the intervention.
Each patient progresses at their own pace.
7. Does hair transplant leave scars?
The FUE technique leaves no linear scar.
Micro-traces may be visible on the donor area for the first few days, but they disappear quickly.
Good healing depends on following post-operative instructions.
8. Does transplanted hair fall out again?
Implanted hair comes from areas genetically programmed not to fall out.
They retain this characteristic after the transplant.
However, non-transplanted hair may continue to thin: regular medical follow-up helps stabilize the progression of baldness.
9. How long does a hair transplant session last?
The duration depends on the number of grafts to be implanted.
On average, a session lasts 6 to 8 hours.
For large transplants (up to 6,000 grafts), the intervention can be performed over two consecutive days.
10. What precautions should be taken after a hair transplant?
The first few days require specific care to protect the grafts:
- Gentle cleaning and thermal water spray,
- Avoid sun, sports, and wearing a cap,
- Sleep with the head slightly elevated,
- Follow the post-operative instructions given by the center.
Personalized follow-up is provided to accompany each stage of healing.
