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I debated whether to include this section. I worried that I
might, in some way, hurt or disturb readers who are already sensitive
about hair loss. Some of the studies I refer to are disturbing.
It is amazing how superficial and judgmental most people are. Numerous
other studies have been performed using different variables (age,
weight, skin color, height, attractiveness) that confirm our tendencies
to form opinions of others based solely on physical characteristics.
I decided that most people who are balding have all probably had
personal experiences similar to what are noted in the studies. My
guess is that while, in one sense, disconcerting, these findings
will be helpful because this is reality and because it is always
nice to know others are in the same situation. If balding does not
bother someone, more power to him. Before I proceed, I feel it is
vitally important to stress that no cosmetic surgery, hair transplants
included, will change somebody’s life. There is no doubt that
it can improve looks, increase confidence, and boost self-esteem,
but cosmetic surgery should not be used in an attempt to get a lost,
significant-other back or to make someone happy if he is
clinically depressed. Changing the outside will never change who
someone really is.
The first study looks at how baldness influences initial social
perceptions. Men and women subjects were shown pictures of balding
and non-balding men. The men in the pictures had similar physical
characteristics except for the fact that some had lost much of their
hair. The author noted that people typically make assumptions about
others based on their physical appearances, and this frequently
influences the future relationship. He describes this as the “what
is beautiful is good” stereotype.
This study confirmed that the absence or presence of male pattern
baldness did influence the subjects’ impressions of the men
in the pictures. Balding men were perceived less favorably including
being judged “less physically,
personally, and socially desirable”. The subjects further
felt that balding men would be less likeable. The presence of balding
also tended to make a man seem older than he really was; whereas,
the absence of balding tended to make a man seem younger. (7)
Researchers have performed multiple studies to examine the psychological
effect baldness has on the person experiencing the balding. A study
by the same researcher noted above showed that many balding men
felt that the balding process was stressful. These men complained
of teasing from others, a preoccupation with future balding, worries
about how others viewed them, feelings of diminished attractiveness
and, in some, feelings of a diminished quality of life. The author
noted that the younger the man, the more extensive the baldness,
and the earlier the onset of hair loss, the greater the distress.
(8)
Another study showed similar negative emotions stemming from male
pattern baldness. These men complained of increased levels of self-doubt,
depression,
introversion, and dissatisfaction with appearance. Again, these
feelings were most marked in young men and in men with more extensive
hair loss. (9)
A similar study found that 25% of men with male pattern baldness
found their hair loss to be very disturbing while 62% described
it as moderately disturbing. These men also reported more concern
with ageing. (10)
Similar studies of women with female pattern baldness noted even
greater psychological distress then for men. Twice as many balding
women were very disturbed by their hair loss when compared to balding
men. Women with hair loss felt more anxiety, helplessness, feelings
of decreased attractiveness, and feelings of a diminished quality
of life. Finally, the author noted that women perceived their hair
loss and its impact more than what an impartial clinician would
have anticipated. (11)
Body dysmorphic disorder is an unusual psychological disorder that
hair transplant surgeons see frequently. These patients are preoccupied
with an imagined or slight cosmetic defect to the point that it
becomes extremely distressing and may begin to impair day-to-day
functioning. Patients may avoid friends, family, and work in some
cases. The disorder can lead to depression and has been implicated
in some suicides.
These individuals will often have had visits with numerous physicians,
frequently complaining of poor care. When surgical attempts are
made to correct the perceived defect, the patient usually remains
dissatisfied. They are more prone to sue and threaten violence.
Typically no amount of talk or “common sense” will dissuade
these patients from believing they have a significant problem. It
is as if they have a very limited form of psychosis (break with
reality which is firmly believed despite evidence to the contrary).
If the patient can be convinced that the perceived defect is all
right, it is not unusual for them to then fixate on another physical
flaw.
Basically, this is a psychiatric disorder, not a surgical one. Convincing
these patients to see a psychiatrist is problematic since they will
frequently remain unconvinced that it is not a physical problem.
These patients tend to make themselves miserable, and their successful
treatment hinges on making the correct diagnosis.
Hair Transplant Guide
is Sponsored by:
The International Alliance of Hair Restoration Surgeons
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