Hair loss can be emotionally and socially challenging, especially when it appears suddenly and unpredictably, as is the case with Alopecia Areata. At Kalos Hair Restoration in Atlanta, we understand the complexity and individuality of this condition. For select patients with stable, localized Alopecia Areata, hair transplantation using advanced FUE techniques may offer a safe and lasting solution.
Dr. Benjamin Stong, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, personally oversees all aspects of the hair restoration process at Kalos. Unlike many commercial hair clinics that delegate care to technicians, Dr. Stong brings a level of aesthetic and clinical precision rarely found in the field. His experience in facial anatomy, scarring, and natural design allows him to deliver results that restore more than just hair — they restore confidence.
I came in for injections to help with some thinning I was experiencing on my frontal hairline. I couldn’t be happier after treatment and am excited to see my results after full treatment is completed in 3-6 months. This is a great option for women that many aren’t even aware of if you are experiencing some hair loss/ thinning.
What Is Alopecia Areata?
Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own hair follicles. This results in patchy, round bald spots on the scalp and sometimes the eyebrows, beard area, or other parts of the body. The condition often begins suddenly, with the first signs of loss appearing in childhood or early adulthood.
While many cases resolve on their own or respond to medication, others remain persistent and stable. In these cases, if the disease has remained inactive for a significant period — typically more than 12 months — hair transplantation can be considered.
Key Characteristics:
- Round, patchy bald spots
- Sudden onset
- Non-scarring, meaning follicles are not physically destroyed
- Often unpredictable, with potential for regrowth or recurrence
Candidacy for Hair Transplantation in Alopecia Areata
Hair restoration is not appropriate for every patient with Alopecia Areata. At Kalos, we focus exclusively on stable, localized cases where the condition has remained inactive for an extended period and shows no signs of active inflammation or progression.
Ideal Candidates:
- Have a small number of bald patches on the scalp
- Have had no new hair loss in at least 12 months
- Show no active signs of inflammation on scalp biopsy or clinical exam
- Are in good overall health
- Have realistic expectations for aesthetic outcomes
Dr. Stong performs a thorough medical and dermatologic evaluation before approving any patient with Alopecia Areata for transplantation. This ensures both safety and a high likelihood of graft survival.
Why We Do Not Use the Strip Method (FUT)
FUT, or strip surgery, involves removing a section of scalp to harvest follicles. At Kalos, we do not offer this outdated approach for several reasons:
- It leaves a linear scar across the back of the head
- It has longer recovery times
- It limits hairstyle flexibility
Instead, we exclusively use FUE, which removes individual follicles with tiny punch tools, avoiding large incisions or noticeable scarring. This is especially important for patients with Alopecia Areata, as the scalp may already be more sensitive due to immune activity.
The FUE Transplant Process for Alopecia Areata
- Evaluation and Mapping: A careful assessment of donor and recipient zones is performed. Stability of the condition is confirmed via history, visual inspection, and sometimes biopsy.
- Designing the Pattern: Dr. Stong creates a customized plan that blends grafts with existing hair patterns to ensure a seamless outcome.
- Harvesting Grafts: Using minimally invasive FUE, follicles are harvested one by one from the back and sides of the scalp.
- Placement: Grafts are inserted into the bald patches with precision, replicating natural growth direction and density.
- Recovery: Most patients return to non-strenuous activities within a few days. Visible improvement begins within 3 to 6 months and continues up to 12 months post-op.
Understanding the Risks
Transplanting hair into areas affected by Alopecia Areata carries more risk than genetic hair loss. Even in stable cases, there is a small possibility that the autoimmune activity may return and affect the new grafts.
That is why Kalos only performs these transplants under strict conditions and after complete medical clearance. Dr. Stong believes in setting realistic expectations and prioritizing long-term success over short-term results.
Statistics & Insights
- Alopecia Areata affects approximately 6.8 million people in the United States alone
- About 2 percent of the population will develop it at some point in their lives
- In stable, localized cases, studies have shown hair transplant survival rates ranging from 65 to 90 percent
- The risk of recurrence post-transplant is lower when no new lesions have appeared in over one year
Why Choose Kalos Hair Restoration?
What sets Kalos apart is not just the technology — it is the expertise behind it. Dr. Stong is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon who applies surgical precision and artistic planning to every case. His oversight ensures that each transplant is tailored to the patient’s anatomy, hair type, and facial structure.
At Kalos:
- Dr. Stong personally oversees every hair transplant procedure
- Only advanced FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) techniques are used — no FUT strip surgeries
- Hairlines are designed to harmonize with facial features, not just fill in gaps
- Grafts are placed with attention to natural angles, direction, and density
This level of supervision and customization is critical for patients with Alopecia Areata, whose scalp characteristics may differ from those with genetic hair loss.
Schedule a Consultation
If you have been diagnosed with Alopecia Areata and believe your condition is stable, we welcome you to schedule a consultation with Kalos Hair Restoration. To learn more or request an appointment in our Atlanta or Buckhead office, please contact our team today. Restoring your confidence begins with a single conversation.
