Can Scarring From A Bad Hair Transplant Be Removed?

If you have undergone hair transplant surgery that utilized outdated methods like plugs or mini-grafts, you may be experiencing long-term problems like unsightly scars. A repair may be needed if improper techniques were used, if the procedure was not planned well or if the patient was not a good candidate for a hair transplant.
Dr. Yates can use one of several methods to correct the appearance of a poor scar depending on your individual circumstances. He can help give you the results you wanted the first time around.

Follicular Unit Transplantation

The outdated method of hair transplantation surgery, Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT), involved removing part of the patient’s scalp from the back of their head, given to technicians who manually dissect each individual follicular unit, and the units would then be transplanted back into the scalp.
This procedure was very invasive and the process required the patient to have stitches or staples to close the wound properly. Recovery time for this surgery would generally take a few weeks and patients were likely to experience numbness, scalp tightness and persistent pain. They also were at risk of having an obvious linear scar on their head. If a patient developed these scars after undergoing FUT, the scars could be seen if they chose to wear their hair closely cropped or cut.

Follicular Unit Extraction

Luckily, a new method of hair transplantation has been developed, Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE). This procedure is much less invasive than FUT because follicular units are individually harvested from the donor site. The Physician has several instruments to choose from and will make that decision based on the patient’s individual circumstances with achieving optimal results in mind.
With FUE, the physician has the ability to choose only the most viable follicles for extraction, so they can avoid making a painful cut and transplanting entire strips of hair. This procedure eliminates the need for stitches and the risk of scarring.

How does Dr. Yates fix scars?

If you have already received a hair transplant that has resulted in scarring, Dr. Yates can provide a number of solutions. He can use the FUE technique to transplant hair into the scar area. He has experienced successful graft survival and given patients dramatic results to improve their appearance. He will occasionally recommend scalp tattooing or permanent pigmentation in combination with FUE to further conceal the appearance of a scar. Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy (PRP) could also be an option.

What About Other Issues Related to a Bad Procedure?

There are many problems you may be experiencing if your initial transplant was not performed properly. Thankfully, Dr. Yates can perform a number of different hair transplant repair procedures to resolve each one. He can remove large plugs and transplant individual follicular units back onto the scalp in a way that will give them a more natural look. Cortisone injections may also be an option for those who have a raised scar.