Can Hair Restoration Surgery Be Performed on Scars?
Initial Answer
Yes, hair restoration surgery can be performed on scars. Surgeons can transplant hair follicles into scar tissue, helping to improve the appearance of scars by promoting hair growth in the affected area.
Expanded Information
Types of Scars Suitable for Hair Restoration
Hair restoration surgery can be effective on various types of scars, including:
- Scalp Scars: Scars resulting from previous surgeries, injuries, or conditions like traction alopecia.
- Facial Scars: Scars on the beard, eyebrows, or moustache area due to trauma or surgical procedures.
- Burn Scars: Scars from burns where the skin has healed but hair growth has not resumed.
Procedure and Techniques
The process of performing hair restoration on scars involves several key steps and techniques:
- Assessment: The surgeon assesses the scar tissue to determine its suitability for hair transplantation. Factors considered include the scar’s size, location, and blood supply.
- Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE): This technique involves extracting individual hair follicles from a donor area and implanting them into the scar tissue. FUE is minimally invasive and leaves minimal scarring in the donor area.
- Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT): In some cases, FUT may be used, where a strip of scalp is removed from the donor area, and individual follicular units are extracted and transplanted into the scar.
Challenges and Considerations
Performing hair restoration surgery on scars presents unique challenges and considerations:
- Blood Supply: Scar tissue may have a reduced blood supply compared to normal skin, which can affect the survival rate of transplanted follicles.
- Scar Thickness: Thicker scars may be more difficult to treat, requiring more advanced techniques and careful planning.
- Realistic Expectations: While hair transplantation can significantly improve the appearance of scars, complete coverage and density may not always be achievable.
Results and Recovery
Patients can expect the following results and recovery process:
- Initial Growth: Transplanted hair may start to grow within three to four months post-surgery, with continued improvement over the following months.
- Final Results: Full results are typically seen within 12 to 18 months, with improved hair density and coverage of the scar.
- Minimal Downtime: Recovery time is usually short, with most patients returning to normal activities within a week.
Contact FUE Surgeons Directory for Assistance
If you are considering hair restoration surgery for scars, chat with our support team at the FUE Surgeons Directory. We ensure that all doctors listed in our directory are vetted and medically trained to handle complex cases involving scar tissue.
For more information, you can also explore our detailed articles on different types of hair restoration surgeries: