Scalp Scar Revision using FUE Hair Transplant – What You Need to Know

Hair transplant technology has evolved over the years to the point that a scar from a hair transplant does not happen that often (unless a patient decides to undergo FUT surgery). However, scars can still happen on the scalp due to some form of accident or trauma to the area. The lack of hair in the area with the scar, when compared to the hair density of the areas surrounding the scar, will make the appearance of the scalp scar stand out more prominently to others. Patients that have a scalp scar should not be worried that the scar will be visible to others forever. It is possible to get a FUE hair transplant on scar tissue to reduce the overall appearance of the scalp scar. Take a look below to learn more about the process of how to address a scar on the scalp using a hair transplant.

Hair Transplant in Scar Tissue

Hair will not grow naturally in scar tissue for the simple fact that there are not any hair follicles in a scar. When a scar forms on skin that has been damaged, the hair follicles will not grow back. The thick, fibrous tissue that forms a scar is designed to protect the skin underneath the scar. It does not leave any room for hair follicles in the impacted area.

Instead, the surgeon will place hair grafts in the scar. They will start growing once they make contact with the blood vessels in the area. Scar tissue can be raised or thickened so the surgeon might need to inject the area around the scar with corticosteroids in order to flatten the scar.

During Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) on the section of the scalp with the scar, the surgeon starts the process by extracting a series of hair grafts from the donor area of the scalp. The donor area is usually located on the back and sides of the scalp. If the patient does not have enough quality hair in the donor area, the hair grafts can be taken from others areas of the body such as the beard.

The surgeon also makes tiny incisions in the area where the hair grafts will be transplanted. The hair grafts are placed in the incisions where they will begin to take root and grow natural hair.

There might be some pain or discomfort after the hair restoration procedure. The surgeon can recommend antibiotics or ibuprofen to help relieve the pain and discomfort.

In order to give you a more in-depth look at scalp scar surgery, here is a video made by our office about scalp scar repair using a hair transplant:

Post-Scalp Scar Revision Tips

Do not worry if hairs fall out of the transplanted area after the procedure. This is perfectly natural and the hair will begin to grow back on its own.

At first, the transplanted hair might not grow in a consistent line with the area that surrounds it. There is no need to worry if the transplanted hair looks a little different than the rest of the hair on the scalp. It will eventually grow in enough to accurately match the surrounding hair.

Patients should know about a few complications that might occur after the surgery. They include:

• Folliculitis, a swelling of the hair follicles that looks like small red bumps, which is usually caused by a fungal or bacterial infection
• Crusts forming in the treated area
• Itching
• Irritated scalp
• Swelling

Scalp Scar Revision Results

The placement of hair grafts in the area where the scalp scar is located can provide a greater amount of hair in the area where the hair was transplanted. In addition, the visible appearance of the scar will be reduced or eliminated so others will not be able to see it as much as they could before the hair transplant. The overall appearance of the scar on the scalp will be greatly improved. In addition, FUE hair transplant in the scalp scar area can minimize or reduce the density of the hair that surrounds the location of the scar.

Scalp Scare Revision Using FUE Hair Transplant – First Steps

The first step for anyone interested in learning more about Scalp Scar Revision through FUE hair transplant is to contact our office. We have a skilled, expert Los Angeles hair transplant team (led by Dr. Parsa Mohebi) as well as an experienced and skilled San Francisco team (lead by Dr. Manu Gujrati).

Once you contact our office, we will schedule a hair restoration consultation appointment with you to examine your scalp and the size, length and depth of the scar. We will also discuss your scalp scar revision goals and determine if FUE hair transplant is the ideal option to achieve the long-lasting results you desire. Once the medical plan is determined, it will be time to schedule your scalp scar revision surgical procedure.

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