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Hair Transplant for Scars

Hair Transplant for Scars : How It Can Help Cover Up Old Wounds?

Scars are a common consequence of injuries, surgeries, and burns. They are a sign of healing. But, they can cause a lasting physical and emotional impact. Scars on the scalp can be a source of self-consciousness. But, you need not worry. There is hope – hair transplantation can offer a reliable and effective solution for disguising the scars and restoring your confidence.

What is Scalp Scarring?

Scalp scarring is also called cicatricial alopecia. It is a group of hair loss disorders that can leave a mark on the scalp. The scarring can take place due to several reasons. Some of them include surgical scars, traumatic scars, and burn scars.

  • Surgical scars: These can result from surgeries like FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) strip harvesting or other medical procedures.
  • Traumatic scars: These scars can be caused by accidents, falls, or injuries that damage the scalp tissue.
  • Burn scars: These scars are typically caused by deep burns which may destroy the hair follicles and leave smooth scar tissues.

How Do Hair Transplants Work for Scars?

Hair transplants typically involve transplanting healthy hair follicles into the scalp. These are transplanted into the scarred region.
There are primarily two surgical methods that experts use for an effective hair transplant for scars.

Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)

This is considered to be one of the minimally invasive techniques for hair transplant in the scarred region. The technique involves extracting the individual hair follicles and implanting them into recipient sites on the scar.

FUE is performed as an outpatient procedure. The process does not need any stitches and can be recovered faster.

Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)

This does not involve extracting and implanting individual hair follicles. Instead, it involves extracting a strip of scalp with the healthy hair follicles implanted into the scar. This process is also handled with local anesthesia and is done as an outpatient service. The stitches are removed after around ten days. In contrast to the FUE process, the FUT process can be a little painful. It may also produce swelling for a few days.

Your experts will use different techniques for the scarred tissues. Based on the condition of scar tissues, the doctors may decide to adjust the density of grafts.

Benefits of Hair Transplants for Scar Coverage

Hair transplants provide numerous advantages when it comes to effective scar coverage. Some of these benefits would typically involve

  • Aesthetic enhancements: Since hair transplant involves the growth of hair on scarred tissues, it will create an appearance of a natural-looking scalp. This can go a long way in boosting your confidence.
  • Improved scalp health: The transplanted follicles help promote better blood flow. This can potentially help in improving the overall health of the scalp.
  • Increased hair density: Hair transplants help add density to the areas around the scar. This can help create a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Suitability and Assessment

Assessing the suitability of a patient for hair transplant scar coverage needs a complete and comprehensive evaluation.
Some of these factors include:

  • Scar characteristics: This will involve the evaluation of the size and depth of the scar. The type of scarring and the availability of blood supply to the scar are a few of the factors that would ascertain the suitability of the patient for hair transplant for scars.
  • Donor areas: A study of the donor may also have a bearing on the success rate of the hair transplant for the scars on the scalp. Some of these factors include hair quality and density and scalp laxity.
  • Overall health of the patient: The past medical history of the patient and the previous medications can also have a bearing on the suitability and success of a hair transplant.

Well, when seeking the best hair transplant for scarred scalp, it is always good to check out the hair transplant surgeons certified by the Association of Hair Restoration Surgeons India (AHRS India). They have expertise and experience that ensures ethical practices. They are also familiar with advanced techniques of hair transplant.

Potential Challenges and Considerations

Transplanting hair into the scarred tissues is quite difficult when compared to standard hair transplant services.

There are several challenges you may come across include

  • Limited blood supply: Scarred tissues have a lower blood supply. This can negatively impact the survival of the hair graft.
  • There may be several unrealistic expectations: There may be several variations in the results depending on the severity of the scars. Meeting patient expectations in this context may not be easy to handle.
  • Risks and complications: As with any surgery, there may be a few complications like infection or scarring at the donor site.

Conclusion

Hair transplant is an excellent option to disguise the scar tissues and regain your confidence. But, when opting for hair transplants for these conditions, we recommend consulting an AHRS-certified surgeon as the first step towards achieving a natural-looking and fuller head of hair.

Ready to explore your options? Schedule a consultation with an AHRS-certified hair transplant surgeon today!

FAQs

Can hair grow over scar tissue?

Hair typically does not grow naturally on scar tissue. The best and only option is to get a hair transplant done on the scar tissue.

Can scar tissue become permanent?

Scar tissues may not be inherently permanent. They may go through a process of remodeling and can let normal tissues grow back. However, this process may take weeks, months, or even years.

How long does hair transplant surgery for scars take?

The duration depends on the size and complexity of the scar. It typically ranges from a few hours to a full day.

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