Hair Transplant Scar: Is It Permanent? Can It Be Repaired?
What Is A Hair Transplant Scar?
A hair transplant scar is a mark left on the scalp following a hair restoration procedure. These scars result from the surgical extraction or implantation of hair follicles, which can vary in visibility based on the technique used, the skill of the surgeon, and the healing process of the patient. While some scars are more prominent, others may be minimal and blend naturally with the surrounding scalp.
Hair transplant surgery options have advanced significantly since the beginning However, scarring remains an unavoidable side effect of the surgery. This doesn't mean there is nothing to do about them.
Today, two types of surgical methods are commonly employed. Each one causes a distinct sort of scarring. How much scarring you have is mostly up to how skilled and experienced your surgeon is.
Whichever option you pick, keep in mind that wound-closure techniques, as well as the surgeries themselves, have improved. Follicular unit extraction (FUE) and follicular unit transplantation are the two most used surgical methods for hair transplantation (FUT).
Many people ask, how long does a hair transplant take to heal? The answer varies, but generally, within three to six months, both operations cause obvious hair growth.
Why Does Scarring Occur After Hair Transplant?
Scarring occurs as part of the natural healing process when the scalp tissues repair themselves after being incised or punctured during a hair transplant. Factors such as the method used, the size of the area treated, and individual healing tendencies contribute to the extent and visibility of scars. Poor post-operative care can also exacerbate scarring.
What Types Of Hair Transplant Methods Leave Scars?
Two primary methods are commonly associated with hair transplant scars:
- FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation): Leaves a linear scar due to the removal of a strip of scalp tissue from the donor area.
- FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction): Results in small, dot-like scars scattered across the donor area. These are typically less noticeable than FUT scars. Regardless of the method, the surgeon’s expertise plays a critical role in minimizing scarring.
Scar from FUE
If you are asking, first of all, what is a FUE hair transplant? Hair follicles removed from the back and sides of the scalp are used in this treatment (the donor areas). Using a micro-punch instrument, your surgeon will remove each hair follicle transplant one at a time. Each extraction creates a little spherical scar that can measure up to 1 millimeter in diameter.
Depending on the number of hair follicles taken, this might result in hundreds or even thousands of puncture mark scars. After healing, these scars may appear as little white spots. One to four hairs grow from each follicle. The hairs are subsequently grafted onto the scalp's recipient regions. Given the careful nature of this procedure, surgery may take several hours, if not days.
To attain the best possible results, the operation could be performed multiple times over the course of a few months. FUE is performed as an outpatient procedure using local anaesthetic. There is no need for sutures, and recovery time is usually brief. If you are experiencing mild swelling after hair transplant, that is common, too.
Scars from FUT
This method necessitates the surgical excision of a strip of scalp containing donor hair. This is usually found on the back of the head. The region is sutured together after the hair strip is removed.
This results in a linear scar of variable lengths depending on the size of the excised strip. This scar may reach from ear to ear in rare cases. Hair follicle grafts are extracted from the scalp strip and prepared for grafting onto the recipient sections of the scalp, which contain tiny incisions for each individual hair.
This technique, which is also performed as an outpatient, employs local anesthetic. The stitches are removed after around 10 days. FUT surgery may cause greater discomfort and edema than FUE surgery. The outcomes differ from person to person.
Is It Possible To Have Hair Transplant Without Scar?
Although it is impossible to achieve a completely scar-free hair transplant due to the nature of the surgical procedure, advanced techniques like FUE significantly reduce the visibility of scars. With proper care and skilled execution, the scars can become almost imperceptible, especially when camouflaged by hair growth. How To Prevent Hair Transplant Scars? Preventing visible scars involves a combination of choosing the right surgeon and following post-operative care instructions. Factors that help include:
- Opting for minimally invasive techniques like FUE.
- Keeping the scalp clean and hydrated.
- Avoiding strenuous activities that could stress the scalp during healing.
Are Hair Transplant Scars Permanent?
Hair transplant scars are generally permanent, but their visibility can diminish over time. The extent of permanence depends on the individual’s skin type, the surgeon’s skill, and the technique used.
Can Hair Transplant Scars Be Treated?
Yes, various methods can treat hair transplant scars, including scalp micropigmentation, laser treatments, and corrective surgeries. These options can significantly reduce the appearance of scars and restore confidence in patients.
Scar Removal After Hair Transplant
Several treatments can be utilized to minimize or diminish the size of the scar left by the FUT operation. Their success is not always assured, and some scarring is virtually always present. Keep in mind that your scalp will gradually droop as you age. Moreover, many people ask, how short can I cut my hair after a hair transplant? You can cut your hair however you want, but you should know that cutting your hair short after surgery will make your scars more visible. This might enlarge or make the scalp reduction scar more noticeable.
Another alternative is to use the FUE procedure to implant hair follicles into the FUT scar. The thickness of the scar will influence the efficiency of this remedy. Medication can thin scar tissue, making this procedure more viable in some circumstances.
Scarred skin, on the other hand, does not always hold the grafts as well as healthy skin. Your doctor will be able to inform you whether or not this operation is appropriate for you.
At the ASMED Surgical Medical Center, we inspire people to look and feel their best by using the most advanced FUE hair transplant (Follicular Unit Extraction) digital technology for scalp analysis and Coverage Value calculations available in the field of hair restoration today. From the KE-Bot robotic scanning system to the K.E.E.P. embedding placer, Dr. Koray Erdogan’s FUE innovations have gained the attention of FUE surgeons worldwide. His surgical planning allows for real-time adjustments that deliver a homogenized and natural appearance. Our scientific, mathematical, and artistic approach to hair restoration supported by state-of-the-art devices affords us the precision and results that patients envision. As one of the best clinics in Turkey, ASMED remains a global leader in the field of hair restoration.
If you want to learn more about the costs involved, visit the Asmed clinic hair transplant to learn about the cost or how many hair grafts you will need. If you would like to talk with one of our surgeons or learn about the FUE hair transplant before and after, please contact us; we're here to assist.
