Alopecia Areata
What it is, how it differs from pattern loss, and treatment.
Alopecia areata – patchy hair loss – is an autoimmune condition, not hereditary loss.
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune cause of patchy hair loss — different from pattern baldness.
Transplant suitability
A transplant is generally not advised while it is active; medical treatment comes first. Compare with causes of hair loss.
An autoimmune condition, not hereditary loss
In alopecia areata (patchy hair loss) the immune system attacks the body’s own hair follicles. Typical are sharply defined, round bald patches appearing within weeks – on the scalp, beard, eyebrows or lashes. The follicle is usually not destroyed, so spontaneous regrowth is possible, but so is recurrence.
How it differs from androgenetic loss
| Alopecia areata | Androgenetic | |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Autoimmune | Genetic, hormonal (DHT) |
| Picture | Round, sharply defined patches | Pattern: hairline, crown |
| Regrowth | Spontaneous possible | No |
Why a transplant is not done here
In active alopecia areata a hair transplant is contraindicated. The immune system attacks the transplanted follicles too – donor material would be lost, and the donor area supplies only 4,000–8,000 grafts for life. Treatment belongs in dermatological hands. Only after years of stable remission is surgery even discussed.
What is sensible now
Dermatological assessment and treatment, ruling out other causes (thyroid, iron deficiency), and patience: much of the limited patches regrow within a year on their own. A clinic offering surgery for patchy loss without checking the diagnosis is a red flag. See safety.
This page is for general information and does not replace medical advice. Results are individual and cannot be guaranteed.
alopecia areata: key points
The immune system attacks the follicles, causing sharply defined round patches in weeks. The follicle usually survives, so spontaneous regrowth is possible.
In active disease a transplant is contraindicated – transplanted follicles would be attacked too.
For the full overview, see our main page on hair transplants in Istanbul.
Frequently Asked Questions
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