Alopecia is a general term meaning hair loss. Three common types of alopecia we see in the office are androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, and hair loss from an iron deficiency. Alopecia is highly common and will most likely affect you or someone you love at some point, which is why Dr. Reuel Aspacio offers some of the most advanced hair restoration procedures to Las Vegas, NV men and women. This allows our patients to accomplish their cosmetic goals and return to a more enriched life as quickly as possible after the treatment.

• Androgenetic alopecia can develop in men or women with a family history of male or female pattern baldness. The presentation in men differs from that in women. In men, androgenetic alopecia may start as thinning of the hair on top of the head, a recession on the hairline and temples, or both. In women, it presents an overall thinning on the top of the head.
• Alopecia areata presents as coin-shaped, smooth patches of hair loss. This typically affects the scalp but may also occur on other hair-bearing areas such as the brows, eyelid, and chin. Mostly localized, an uncommon variant involves all hair-bearing areas. This condition is not contagious and occurs in otherwise healthy individuals; it occurs because one’s immune system is attacking the hair follicles.
• Iron deficiency hair loss presents an excessive shedding of the hair, leading to a decreased density of the hair. Women are more susceptible and known causes are varied.

Schedule a consultation at Summerlin Dermatology if you think you have alopecia or another hair disorder.

Alopecia areata is caused when the immune system attacks the hair follicles, leading to rapid loss of hair. Similarly, androgenetic alopecia results from inheriting hair follicles that are sensitive to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a derivative of the testosterone hormone. The hair follicles come under attack and react negatively with the DHT, resulting in damaged or scarred follicles. In both situations, the hair re-growth cycle is stopped and hair loss occurs. Hair loss will improve in a patient with an iron deficiency once his or her iron levels are at a healthy level again.

The major symptom of alopecia is hair loss. Hair usually falls out in small round patches on the scalp and other parts of the body. These patches are usually several centimeters or less in size. You may first notice clumps of hair on your pillow or in the shower. However, other hormonal imbalances, illnesses, and diseases can also cause hair to fall out in a similar pattern.

Hair loss alone shouldn't be used to diagnose alopecia exclusively. The hair loss associated with alopecia is unpredictable and random. The hair may grow back at any time and then may fall out again. The amount of hair loss and regrowth varies greatly from person to person.

Hair loss is complex and requires an accurate diagnosis before exploring many different treatment options. Depending on the extent and severity of the hair loss, different options are available. For mild alopecia cases, nonsurgical platelet-rich plasma (PRP therapy) for hair restoration uses your extracted growth factors to encourage the re-growth of damaged hair follicles. 

At Summerlin Dermatology, we understand the confusion, frustration, and embarrassment that could accompany unexpected hair loss. We have made it our mission to not only help you feel more like yourself and improve your aesthetic appearance, but to help you understand why you are losing your hair and what can be done to potentially halt further loss. If you are ready to receive answers, call us today to schedule your consultation. We look forward to meeting you in Las Vegas, NV.