Hair Transplant for Scar Repair

Can hair follicles be used to cover over scar tissue? They absolutely can! Hair transplant surgery is one of the safest ways you can conceal scar tissue, surgical scars, and even skin grafts. Keep reading to find out more.

Hair Transplants on Scar Tissue: an Overview

Hair transplants are becoming increasingly popular for those seeking to repair scars caused by different types of injuries. These medical procedures have been used for decades and provide a far-reaching solution that goes beyond skin-deep healing.

Hair transplants can work to conceal damaged scarred skin from injuries, using donor hair grafts (transplantable hair follicles) to cover up any sign of skin trauma. Healthy hair follicles contain stem cells that create new tissue and, in some cases, help to repair damaged skin.

Hair transplants on scar tissue can be done using two methods: follicular unit transplantation (FUT) and follicular unit extraction (FUE). However, in almost all cases, an FUE hair transplant is used for scar repair.

What is Scar Tissue?

Scar tissue, is a type of fibrous connective tissue that forms when the body repairs the damage from an injury or surgery. It is made up of collagen fibres, which are produced in response to inflammation and replace any damage or lost tissue.

Scar tissue is usually less flexible and resilient than the original tissue, with a distinct appearance. It can vary in colour, size, shape, and texture depending on the cause and location of the injury.

Why Can’t Hair Grow Through Scar Tissue?

Hair generally has difficulty growing through scar tissue because it has poor circulation. Scar tissue has a much lover level of blood flow compared to other areas, so the hair follicles struggle to receive enough oxygen and nutrients needed for growth.

Additionally, scar tissue may not be as flexible as other areas of the skin, making it difficult for new hair follicles to penetrate through the hard tissue.

Of course, if hair follicles are implanted during surgery, then there is no reason why these hairs cannot grow.

Why Cover up Scar Tissue?

There are several reasons why people choose to cover up scars. One of the most common is for cosmetic reasons, as scars can be unsightly and lead to low self-esteem or a lack of confidence in physical appearance.

Other people may choose to cover scars to protect them from further damage due to everyday activities such as shaving or applying makeup.

Additionally, some people may choose to cover up scars for medical reasons, as certain scarring can be indicative of underlying health conditions.

Hair Transplant for Scar Repair: Which Method is Best?

A hair transplant designed to cover scar tissue still raises the same questions as a typical hair transplant surgery: which method is going to provide the best result and least amount of scarring?

The two most popular methods of hair transplant are FUE and FUT. In today’s world, almost all hair transplants that are perfumed use FUE, or Direct Hair Implantation (DHI), a very similar type of hair transplant.

Historically, FUT, sometimes called “strip surgery” had been used. But this leaves a lifelong scar on the pack of patients’ head. For patients seeking scar repair, follicular unit transplantation causes the very issue that the patients are trying to cover!

So, What is the Best Hair Scar Repair Procedure?

Undoubtedly, FUE hair transplant for scar repairs is the way to go! FUE leaves no nasty lifelong scar. Instead, it provides patients with a 10-14 day recovery period, for the initial scabs (caused during the procedure) to fully heal.

During a follicular unit extraction hair transplant, a small punch tool is used to remove healthy hair follicles from the donor area. Then, all of your hair grafts are analysed individually by a technician. From here, a series of tiny incisions are made into the scalp, allowing the donor follicles to be inserted directly into the recipient area of the scar.

Can I Have a Hair Transplant Over Scar Tissue?

Yes, it is possible to use a hair transplant procedure to repair and improve scarring. However, it should be noted that the success of the procedure will largely depend on the type of scarring, as well as the health of the skin beneath the scar.

In some cases, certain types of scarring may not be amenable to a successful hair transplant, so it’s important to speak with an experienced surgeon before undergoing any treatment.

Hair transplant procedures may also be used to camouflage existing scarring by creating a more blended look.

How Much Does a Hair Transplant for Scar Repair Cost ?

On average, the cost ranges from £4,000 – £5,000 depending on the size of the scar. Smaller scars require less work, so are cheaper, whilst larger scars require more work and so are more expensive. Finance options are available to spread the cost of a hair transplant for scar repair over a longer period of time.

How Do I Know if I’m Eligible for a Scar Repair Hair Transplant Surgery?

Although a hair transplant works is available to almost all of the UK population, there are many individual factors with scar patients that can affect their eligibility for a treatment.

For example, if a patient has a hypertrophic (too thick) scar then it can limit the amount of blood that gets to the newly grafted hair follicles. This may prevent the patient from growing their hair, post-surgery. Of course, this then affects the overall result if hair follicles are not able to grow properly

Comparatively, if the scar tissue is atrophic (too thin) then the scar tissue may be too delicate to hold transplanted follicles. This may result in a lower graft yield than anticipated.

If you’re worried about your eligibility or surgery-efficacy rate, then don’t hesitate to speak to one of our hair transplant consultants. Our consultants and surgeons have years of experience in performing scar repair hair transplants. There are no safer pairs of hands!

During your free video consultation, your surgeon will ask for your medical history. If you have a recent history of inflammatory diseases, then it is always recommended that you do not have a hair restoration surgery – until at least 2 years since your last flare up.

Inflammation in the scar could result in your surgery result being compromised. So, having your inflammatory disease under control is of paramount importance.

What Can I Do to Ensure Hair Transplant Efficacy for Scar Repair?

After a successful hair transplant for scar repair, there are some additional steps you can take to ensure good results. First, follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions and keep the site clean. Regularly apply an antibiotic ointment and dressings, as prescribed by your surgeon.

Additionally, avoid excessive heat, such as the sun or hot showers, at the site of the hair transplant surgery. Lastly, be sure to eat a healthy diet and take vitamin supplements that can improve blood supply and promote new hair growth.

Do I need a PRP Treatment After my Hair Transplant Scar Repair?

In most cases, yes. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy can be used to help repair scar tissue following a hair transplant procedure. PRP helps to reduce inflammation, improve circulation and healing, and stimulate the growth rate of new hair follicles in scarred areas.

Additionally, PRP may also be used for other types of scarring as well as a treatment for alopecia areata. But how does PRP work?

PRP therapy is a promising treatment for hair loss, especially when used in conjunction with hair transplants. PRP is a concentrated mix of platelets derived form a patient’s own blood. It is injected into the scalp and stimulates the growth of new hair follicles by providing a rich source of nutrients, hormones, and proteins.

As PRP is very effective in ensuring new hair growth in scar tissue hair transplant patients, we always recommend a full three course treatment. For £995, this will help your transplanted hair follicles grow quicker and stronger.