Ekrem Civas, Ümit Akpınar, Yıldız Hayran, Berna Aksoy, Neslihan Müge Fişek İzci, Hasan Mete Aksoy
Turkish Journal of Dermatology - 2025;19(4):217-226
Aim: Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) is the leading cause of alopecia in women, often resulting in psychological distress. In advanced stages, hair transplantation is the only effective restorative option. This study evaluated outcomes of follicular unit transplantation (FUT) and follicular unit extraction (FUE) in women. Materials and Methods: FPHL is the leading cause of alopecia in women, often resulting in psychological distress. In advanced stages, hair transplantation is the only effective restorative option. This study evaluated outcomes of FUT and FUE in women. Results: The mean age was 37 years. Indications included FPHL (46.8%) and hairline restoration (32.3%). FUT was performed in 28 patients (45.2%) and FUE in 34 (54.8%). The median graft count was 1,700. Three-hair grafts were more frequent in younger patients with good donor quality and in FUE cases. No major complications occurred. Median closure rate was 99%. Overall, 67.7% reported high satisfaction. Higher satisfaction correlated with better donor density and quality, thicker/wavier hair, and greater graft numbers. Logistic regression showed hairline indication [odds ratio (OR) 4.94, P = 0.029] and curly/wavy hair (OR 5.82, P = 0.015) as independent predictors. Conclusion: Both FUT and FUE are safe and effective in women. FUE offers broader indications and higher satisfaction. Careful patient selection, donor evaluation, and realistic expectations remain essential for optimal outcomes.
