What is Male Pattern Baldness?
If you’ve noticed your hairline receding, or that the hair on your head is thinner than it used to be, you’re not alone. More than two-thirds of American men experience this type of balding by age 35, and over 85% of men by age 50. Balding over time due to aging is known as male pattern baldness or Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA).
Baldness is tied to your genetics, meaning that it’s often inevitable. However, baldness can be reversed using topical treatments and hair restoration procedures. The sooner you seek treatment for baldness, the more likely you’ll have success reversing the effects. Read about the stages of male pattern baldness to learn how this condition progresses.
The Norwood Balding Scale
The Norwood scale (or Hamilton-Norwood scale) is the most widely used scale for measuring the extent of balding in men. It measures hair loss progression in 7 stages:
- Stage 1: During stage 1 there isn’t any noticeable hair thinning or hair loss.
- Stage 2: In stage 2, the hairline begins to recede slightly. This usually occurs around the temples.
- Stage 3: The hairline recedes further on the temples. This thinning often creates an M, V, or U shape.
- Stage 4: At this stage, significant balding is present. The crown sheds more hair, but generally, there is still some hair present between the crown and the receding hairline.
- Stage 5: In stage 5, the line of hair between the receding hairline and the crown becomes very thin.
- Stage 6: The top of the head is now mostly bare, and there is no longer a visible line of hair separating the hairline and the scalp. Hair may still be present along the sides of the head.
- Stage 7: In the final stage, only a strip of hair remains on the sides of the head.
How is Male Pattern Baldness Diagnosed?
In the majority of cases, gradual balding in men is attributed to male pattern baldness. In rare cases, baldness may be caused by another condition. If you’re experiencing unusual or severe hair loss, talk to your doctor about your concerns.
How is Baldness Treated?
The good news for people looking to reduce the effects of balding is that male pattern baldness is treatable. Although balding can be treated at any stage, patients will find the most success if they treat it in the earlier stages.
Balding may be treated with topical treatments. For more dramatic results, hair loss can be treated with outpatient procedures like the MicroFUE™ Hair Transplant.
Hair Restoration at Northwestern Specialists in Plastic Surgery
When you’re looking to invest in hair restoration for male pattern baldness, trust the knowledgeable team at Northwestern Specialists in Plastic Surgery. We are the most experienced surgeons in the Chicago Loop. We are committed to exceeding your expectations when it comes to hair loss treatment.
Don’t wait to restore your hairline and your confidence. Call us today to schedule a free consultation.