Hair loss can come with a few uncomfortable moments, starting with having someone examine your scalp at a microscopic level. I don't think many more things get as personal as someone seeing your follicles at a microscopic level! If you happen to be googling the term "scalp biopsies," then chances are you may be having one sometime soon, or you know someone close who is. Don't get scared!

Many people associate biopsies with the "c" word, but that is not the case most times when examining hair loss at a clinical level. Hair experts often want to discard symptoms for specific scalp conditions. Learning this information gives you and your doctor the power to change things and conditions for the better. Going through a scalp biopsy is a significant step and is a crucial part of your hair story.

After a biopsy, the following steps in your hair journey may include a series of follow-up visits where you should ask about various therapies that can become a part of your healthy follicle lifestyle. Ask about Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) and see if our Capillus technology can be an at-home daily treatment that can support your journey. We have 100% pure laser diodes in our home therapy device, which makes it a seamless and drug-free way to promote a healthy, drug-free option that is right for you!

This medical procedure is routine and relatively simple. A scalp biopsy is defined as a minor procedure that removes a small portion of the scalp from the patient's head. It can be performed while under anesthesia and can be painless if treated correctly after the procedure, to prevent infection.

This depends on your doctor's diagnosis. Your physician may be searching for the reasons underlying your hair loss pattern. Or there may be a skin anomaly worth examining on a cellular level. This allows your hair expert to obtain several hairs in their natural 'non-plucked' state as they exist beneath the skin.

There is some minor burning when the freezing medication is put onto the scalp, but that sensation lasts only 10 seconds. This is very similar to having a tooth frozen at the dentist. Afterward, most people have only a minor degree of discomfort.

Have a chat with your doctor. If you usually use topical steroids on your scalp, please refrain from using these one week before your biopsy.

If you usually use topical camouflaging fibers or other camouflaging agents, please do not apply these products before coming to your biopsy. Wash out of your scalp before your procedure.

Please do not apply hairspray, gel, or mousse before your procedure.

The procedure is very safe and should not be a cause for worry. Caring for the area is very easy. Wash the site the following day with soap for 10 seconds and rinse with water. Shampoo is also acceptable. Repeat the next day after that as well. That's it. For the first two days, use a non-medicated shampoo. After two days, any shampoo can be used (including a medicated anti-dandruff shampoo such as Nizoral or Head & Shoulders). A scalp biopsy suture site can be appropriately cared for even in the most remote areas of the world. It is that easy, and one should not place any limitations on their travel, lifestyle, or work when having a biopsy.

Some minor tenderness can occur for a few days in the area where dissolving stitches will be used. Keep in mind; it normally takes approximately 6-8 weeks for the stitches to dissolve fully. You may dye and color your hair approximately one week after the biopsy.

Yes. All scalp biopsies leave a small scar. The appearance of the scar may vary depending on specific types of suturing, small thread sizes, and (if possible) biopsies from sites that are most likely to heal well.

Please note that the author of this piece is not a doctor, and the information in this material is not intended as medical advice.

Consult your doctor or medical professional for specific information regarding your situation.