Diagnosis of Hair Loss
Hair Transplant Surgeon Malaysia Using Advanced Techniques
Even though hair loss due to metabolic causes occurs in only about 10 percent of cases, it is important to rule out these causes before diagnosing genetic hair loss. A thorough evaluation by a qualified hair transplant surgeon Malaysia can help determine the exact cause and the most suitable treatment plan.
Methods for Diagnosing Hair Loss
Hair loss is typically diagnosed using the following approaches:
- Detailed medical history
- Examination of the hair and scalp with a densitometer
- Hair pull test
- Hair pluck test
- Diagnostic laboratory tests
- Scalp biopsy
Detailed Medical History
Obtaining a complete medical history is extremely valuable for identifying the cause of hair loss. This includes nutritional deficiencies, weight changes, current medications, hormonal changes, stress, recent surgeries, and family history of hair loss. A hair transplant surgeon Malaysia will review all these factors to determine the most effective approach.
Densitometer Examination
A densitometer measures hair density, diameter, and miniaturization. Reduced hair diameter without spacing changes may indicate metabolic hair loss, while a reduction in more than 15 percent of hair diameter points to genetic hair loss.
Hair Pull Test
The physician lightly pulls about 100 hairs to determine excessive hair shedding. Pulling more than three hairs is considered abnormal and warrants further evaluation by a hair transplant surgeon Malaysia.
Hair Pluck Test
Approximately 50 hairs are plucked and examined under a microscope. By comparing anagen (growing) to telogen (resting) hair, early or active hair loss can be identified. Ratios above 15 percent suggest early hair loss, while 30 percent indicates active shedding.
Diagnostic Lab Tests
Blood tests can identify metabolic causes such as nutritional deficiencies, anemia, or hormonal imbalances. Micronutrient testing provides insights into deficiencies in vitamins and minerals critical for hair growth. Tests of serum iron, ferritin, TIBC, and thyroid hormones help rule out metabolic causes before planning treatment with a hair transplant surgeon Malaysia.
Scalp Biopsy
A scalp biopsy involves removing a small piece of scalp (about 4mm) for microscopic examination. This helps distinguish between telogen effluvium, alopecia areata, anagen effluvium, and other hair loss disorders. Genetic hair loss is likely if there are variations in hair depth and diameter, while metabolic hair loss shows no change in diameter but reduced hair in multi follicular units.
