Many people are unaware that there is a classification system that serves to identify the various forms of hair loss that can impact people. The name for this system is the Norwood Scale, and it is employed by cosmetic and medical professionals alike to diagnose the scale of hair loss in an individual. There are seven different categories in the Norwood Scale, with categories 5, 6, and 7 indicating the highest level of hair loss. This has led many to the question, “Can class 7 hair loss be restored?” The short answer to this question is yes, though restoring it at a satisfactory level might be more difficult than for other types of hair loss. Below, we explain more about hair transplants for this level of hair loss.
What Constitutes Class 7 Hair Loss?
According to the Norwood Scale, class 7 hair loss is the latest and most severe. Class 7 hair loss is classified as a severe stage of hair loss where the hair of the head has receded to the point that only a band of hair exists around the bottom of the head. In addition to being the most severe form of hair loss, class 7 is also the most common.
Can Class 7 Hair Loss Be Restored?
Although it is more difficult than less severe forms of hair loss, treating for class 7 hair loss is possible. That being said, the success of this treatment will depend on how many donor follicles are available for the transplant. Patients with extreme balding must have realistic expectations for their transplant. In extreme cases, they are more likely to see partial restoration rather than a return to a full head of hair.
Unfortunately, the difficulty of total hair restoration is part of the reality of class 7 hair loss. That being said, most patients are able to achieve a satisfactory appearance from their hair restoration and report more hair confidence than they had prior to treatment. For this reason, hair transplant treatment remains highly preferable for patients experiencing even class 7 hair loss.
It is worth noting that if a patient does not have enough donor follicles on the head, hair follicles can sometimes be harvested from other areas of the body where hair is plentiful. Other common follicle donor sites include the chest or back, should the patient have a body type that is amenable to this type of treatment.
Your care provider will be able to tell you how much hair restoration you can expect from a transplant, as well as if the hair on other parts of your body will be able to supplement the follicles taken from your head.
What Occurs During a Hair Transplant?
During a hair transplant, hair is harvested and transplanted to the head through a process known as grafting. It can take many separate hair grafts to successfully reproduce the appearance of a healthy head of hair. The grafts that are utilized in this type of procedure are commonly known as “hair plugs.”
Most patients who are interested in receiving a hair transplant will qualify without issue. That being said, your doctor will look for certain qualities before approving you to ensure that you are a suitable candidate for the procedure. Ideal candidates for the hair transplants:
- Are in good overall health
- Still have some healthy hair on their scalp and body
- Have realistic expectations about the outcome of their treatment
What Are The Risks of a Hair Transplant?
You should expect your hair transplant to take several hours. Hair transplants are generally very safe procedures. Still, as with all operations, you do take on some risks when you undergo them. Risks that patients assume when having a hair transplant include:
- Blood loss
- Failed grafts
- Infection
- Scarring
- Numbness in the scalp
- Allergic reaction to anesthesia
Despite the potential risks, hair transplants generally have a 95-98% success rate. This number rises to almost 100% when the operation is performed by a highly rated hair transplant surgeon.
How Many Grafts Will I Need?
The answer to this question depends on your body type and the amount of available hair in other areas of your body. Most patients with class 7 hair loss will need many grafts to restore a satisfying appearance to their hair.
Grafts will need to be made to several areas of the scalp, including the hairline, temples, mid-scalp, and scalp. All in all, this can amount to thousands of tiny grafts to establish a full head of hair again.
The Best Resource for Hair Restoration
Denver Hair Surgery is a trusted resource for FUE hair restoration, as well as any other type of hair restoration. If you would like to learn more about your hair restoration options, contact us today to schedule an appointment.
