Many Norwood patients question whether they can have a successful hair transplant while suffering from Norwood stage 6 – 7.
But before knowing the answer, it is important to understand what the Hamilton-Norwood scale is and what its stages are.
What is the Hamilton – Norwood Scale?
The Hamilton-Norward scale is the classification of male-pattern baldness. There are 7 stages in this scale, so let’s have a look at what these stages are:
STAGE 1: There is no noticeable hair loss or receding hairline. Most men cannot be diagnosed with hair loss at this stage.
STAGE 2: An adult or mature person’s hairline appears to be receding (moving further back from its original position) at the temples and the front of the hairline. It is the early stage of an ‘M’, ‘U’, or ‘V’ shape hairline formation.
STAGE 3: At this stage, the ‘M’, ‘U’, or ‘V’ shape due to hair loss becomes more visible. If not these typical shapes, then hair loss at the temples or the front of the scalp is evident. In some cases the recessed spots are covered with sparse hair. However in other cases, people may also be affected by hair loss at the vertex or crown. This condition is known as Norwood Type 3 Vertex hair loss.
STAGE 4: The band between the scalp forms, separating the two places. The recession proceeds at hair temples and vertices. This can progress to the recessed spots becoming bare.
STAGE 5: The band between the hair becomes more visible and expands, and the hairline around the band becomes sparse and rough. This stage may also be an indication that hair loss is not what one would usually expect and may need medication.
STAGE 6: The hair loss becomes more noticeable than ever. The band now forms a border of sparse hair around it.
Stage 7: It is the most advanced stage of hair loss. Hair on the scalp, temples, and vertex is barely visible. The hairline forms a horseshoe pattern at this stage.
Hair loss treatment at Norwood stage 6 – 7
At AHI Clinic we are familiar with all the stages of the Hamilton-Norwood scale and whether a hair loss treatment is possible for Norwood stage 6-7 patients. When we refer to ‘stage 6-7’, we are assessing how hair loss is transitioning between these two stages, paying particular attention to late stage 6 and early stage 7 – when hair loss is at a higher level. Usually, a hair transplant is very difficult at this stage since the procedure may require 5000 plus grafts to give optimal coverage, and extracting enough donor hairs may be difficult. Having said this though, a hair transplant when hair loss is at this stage is not impossible. Being able to recommend a treatment will depend on the quality of the donor hair and the skill and experience of the Hair Transplant Surgeon – qualities that Dr. Waqas Chaudhary possesses. If a patient is found to be suitable, then a combination of hair from the scalp and body can be used to get enough hair grafts to cover the larger area of loss. However, patients need not worry if they are not found to be suitable as other methods are available, and can be explored. If you are concerned about significant hair loss you can visit AHI Clinic and a thorough consultation will take place where we may be able to recommend the most suitable treatment for you.
Hair Additions & Replacements
A small number of people with hair loss are not candidates for surgical or medical hair restoration. For these people, hair additions and total hair replacement may be considered:
- A person with temporary total hair loss due to radiation or chemotherapy may be a candidate for temporary total hair replacement (a wig),
- A person who is congenitally unable to grow hair may be a candidate for permanent total hair replacement (a wig, or several wigs for different occasions),
- Hair additions may be a temporary measure for the person who wants hair loss corrected but is not yet ready to undergo hair transplantation,
- Hair additions or replacements may be considered by the person who has little donor hair to use for hair transplantation. The hair restoration specialist can recommend hair additions and replacements for those who are not suitable candidates for surgical or medical hair restoration. (International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery, © 2004)
FUE Treatment for hair loss
Follicular Unit Excision (FUE) is a hair transplant procedure in which hair follicles from one part of the body are transferred to the area.
