We often see patients for consultations who are dealing with the effects of having a scar on their scalp. Thankfully, there are hair restoration options to restore and repair scalp scars.
When you have a scar on the scalp, whether it’s from a hair transplant surgery or an unrelated traume, there is often a lack of hair growth in or around the scar.
The scalp is similar to the skin in that it is made up of layers of dermis. When the tissue is damaged for whatever reason, there is often damage deeper down than just what we can see on the superficial layer. Part of this deeper damage effects the hair follicles that reside there, causing a lack of hair growth.
In addition to hair loss in or near the scar, another side effect of scalp scars is scar tissue. Scar tissue is what gives scars that scar-like appearance. Your genetics, healing history, and time all play a role in the severity of your scar tissue. While scar tissue may lessen over time, generally, scar tissue is here to stay.
Hair loss coupled with scar tissue can leave many individuals feeling insecure about their scalp scars. Regardless of the cause of your scar, there is hope to restore a normal scalp and hair appearance.
Hair restoration techniques such as FUE hair transplant surgery and scalp micropigmentation allow individuals to conceal scalp scars with hair or hair-like coverage.
The FUE hair transplant surgery method to repair scalp scars is similar to the standard FUE hair transplantation procedure. Grafts are extracted from a healthy donor area (often the back of the scalp) and are transplanted into the scalp scar. The hair follicles are able to grow healthily and naturally in the scar area.
Scalp micropigmentation or SMP to repair scalp scars is a unique method in involves pigment being applied to the scalp in a dotted hair-follicle appearance. This method is ideal for those with a buzzed or a shaved hair style.
If you’d like to learn more about these methods for scalp scar repair, give us a call for a consultation today.
Tag Archives: botched hair transplant
I’m not happy with my hair transplant results. What are my options?
We get many patients who come for consultations from other hair transplant offices seeking second or third opinions on their hair transplant results.
These individuals are often unhappy with their results and want to know what their options are for fixing their hair and restoring their happiness and confidence.
The first step in evaluating your hair transplant results, is to establish a timeline.
How long ago was the surgery?
Timeline plays a big role in hair transplant recovery and being able to determine the results.
The next step is to establish a history.
How many grafts were transplanted? Where are the donor and recipient zones? What were the goals of the hair transplant surgery?
This information is crucial to gauging what, if any goals were met.
Once you have this important information, you can begin discussing and exploring options.
If the surgery was botched, meaning you have undesirable results such as bad scarring, no graft survival, or increased hair loss, you may need another hair transplant surgery. While this isn’t something anyone wants to hear who just spent thousands of dollars on a hair transplant surgery, this may be what is required in order to fix your botched surgery and provide you with a satisfactory and acceptable appearance.
If it’s too soon to tell, you may need to hang tight and wait a few more months. Sometimes, after just a couple of months, individuals feel that they are not experiencing the growth they should be given the circumstances of their surgery. While this may be the case, hair growth cycles differ person to person, and it may be too soon to tell if your surgery was indeed botched or if your hair is just taking a little longer to grow.
If you are concerned about the results of your hair transplant surgery, and want to get a second or third opinion to explore your options, give us a call for a consultation.
Botched hair transplant surgery – don’t let it happen to you
Botched hair transplant surgeries are on the rise. A botched hair transplant surgery refer to an unfavorable end result of a hair transplant surgery. It can mean a botched scar from an FUT/Strip procedure, a botched recipient zone with little to no graft survival rate, or extreme permanent shock loss due to a hair transplant mega-session.
According to Dr. Yazdan, patients that come in for a consultation to repair botched hair transplant surgeries done elsewhere has increased dramatically over the past 5 years. He states that when he first began transplanting hair about 10 years ago, fixing botched hair transplants made up an extremely small sample of his patients. Now, resolving botched cases accounts for almost half of his active surgery patients.
While there are methods to help repair botched hair transplant surgeries, such as scar revision/repair, scalp micropigmentation, and additional hair transplant procedures, it is much easier and more cost-effective to have the surgery done right the first time.
Botched hair transplants have damaging and lasting effects. Not only do they cause patients to spend double or triple what they would have if their first surgery was successful to fix their hair, but the valuable donor area of the scalp can be permanently damaged. This damage means that even a corrective surgery may not be possible.
In order to protect yourself from becoming a victim of a botched hair transplant surgery, make sure to thoroughly investigate your future hair restoration surgeon. Make sure to also educate yourself on standard hair transplant practices. Knowledge will be your best line of defense in preventing a botched surgery.
Here at Modena, we are experienced in correcting botched hair transplants. If you or someone you know has been a victim of a botched hair transplant surgery, give us a call for a consultation today.
How safe is hair transplant surgery?
With any medical procedure, there is some degree of risk and safety concern involved.
In general, when done in the U.S. by experienced and qualified hair restoration surgeons, hair transplants are safe and effective.
The danger and risk comes into play when regulation, skill, technique, certification, and cleanliness are lacking. While these risks are more common abroad, it’s possible to run into these issues in the U.S. as well.
Some potential issues that could jeopardize the safety and effectiveness of your hair transplant are a botched surgery due to lack of experience and skill, excessive scarring due to punch technique, infection due to unsanitary conditions, and further hair loss due to trauma.
To ensure you have a safe and effective hair transplant surgery, research thoroughly. Below is a list of some things to keep in mind as you’re meeting with hair restoration surgeons and deciding on which facility you’ll go with.
Before and after pictures. Peruse your potential surgeons before and after pictures of other patients. This will be your best indication of their skill and ability level.
Certified by the ISHRS. Make sure your hair restoration surgeon is certified by the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgeons. This is one way you’ll know your surgeon is knowledgeable in the field of hair transplants.
U.S. medical doctor in a U.S. facility. Make sure your surgery will be conducted in a clean and sanitary environment. Don’t risk getting your surgery done abroad. Other country’s doctors and facilities are not held to the same high standards as here in the U.S.
Follow all instructions. Heed all after-care instructions carefully. Keeping the area clean will reduce your risk of infections and complications.
Risks of FUE hair transplant mega-sessions
FUE hair transplant mega-sessions consist of extracting and placing 4,000+ grafts in a single procedure. This is much more than the usual 1,000-3,500 that is extracted and placed in a typical FUE hair transplant procedure.
With a higher number of grafts extracted in one sitting, the risks of shock loss, scarring, and low-graft survival rate increase. Below, I break down how each of these risks is increased by an FUE mega-session.
Shock loss – What’s important to understand is that any surgical procedure is a type of trauma that the body endures. Your surrounding follicles are affected by the extraction and placement of grafts in the scalp tissue. If certain surrounding hairs in both the donor and recipient zones are weak and nearing the end of their life cycle, it’s possible the trauma of surgery could push them over the edge. This means they may be permanently shed through a condition called shock loss. During FUE mega-sessions, this surgical trauma is amplified. More grafts are extracted and placed which means more of the surrounding hairs are susceptible to shock loss.
Scarring – The FUE method of hair transplantation consists of each graft being hand extracted one-by-one. While tedious, it offers natural looking hair transplant results with minimal scarring. Anywhere from 1,000-3,000 grafts are comfortably and safely extracted during FUE. Much more than that and the low risk of scarring is negated. This is because the donor area is getting completed depleted in order to sustain the high number of grafts needed. This creates more scar tissue which means visible scarring and decreased hair growth returning in the donor area.
Low-graft survival rate – The longer grafts are out of the scalp, the greater the likelihood they will not survive once transplanted. Due to the nature of mega-sessions and the extended amount of time they take to complete, grafts tend to be sitting outside of the scalp for a longer period of time. Additionally, grafts are extremely fragile and sensitive. Mega-sessions don’t often allow time and space for the quality of care needed to maintain the health and safety of the grafts. Any damage to the graft and it will not survive once transplanted. It is believed by many experienced hair transplant surgeons that less than half of all transplanted grafts in a mega-session survive.
So how do we achieve high graft hair transplants for those patients who need it without doing a mega-session?
When a high number of grafts are needed to achieve the desired density and fullness the patient wants in their hair, it is often better to utilize multiple surgeries over time. This allows the scalp to heal and newly transplanted follicles to grow naturally and fully.
This in turn yields better results over time, as shock loss is reduced, scarring is minimal to non-existent, and graft survival rate is high. You are much more likely to see the full results of a high graft FUE hair transplant if the surgery is split up.
If you’d like to learn more about the FUE method of hair transplantation and get a graft and price quote for your specific hair needs, give us a call for a free consultation today.
Do FUE hair transplant mega-sessions work?
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ntly there has been a trend in hair transplant centers offering FUE mega-sessions. FUE mega-sessions consist of offering 4,000+ grafts extracted and placed in one sitting.
This is much more than the typical 1,000-3,500 grafts that are usually extracted and placed in a typical FUE procedure.
Many individuals assume the more grafts extracted and placed, the better. But more does not always equal better, as is the case with FUE hair transplants.
With a higher number of grafts extracted in one sitting, the risks of shock loss, scarring, and low-graft survival rate increase. In another article, I break down how each of these risks is increased by an FUE mega-session.
Obviously, increased hair loss, scarring, and minimal graft survival are not desirable hair transplant results. The likelihood of good results with a mega-session just doesn’t outweigh the likelihood of bad results.
So how do we achieve high graft hair transplants for those patients who need it without doing a mega-session?
When a high number of grafts are needed to achieve the desired density and fullness the patient wants in their hair, it is often better to utilize multiple surgeries over time. This allows the scalp to heal and newly transplanted follicles to grow naturally and fully.
This in turn yields better results over time, as shock loss is reduced, scarring is minimal to non-existent, and graft survival rate is high. You are much more likely to see the full results of a high graft FUE hair transplant if the surgery is split up.
Something else to keep in mind when evaluating FUE mega-sessions is the honesty and transparency that may be lacking in surgeons offering these procedures. I recently met with a patient who had a quote from a hair transplant surgeon for a 10,000 graft FUE mega-session. This graft count is clearly inflated. It is frankly not possible to extract 10,000 grafts in one sitting, let alone produce a successful hair transplant. This surgeon is banking on the lack of education in his potential patients.
Your best defense in avoiding scams and botched surgeries like these is to do your research. Make sure your surgeon is a U.S. medical doctor, you’ve read reviews and evaluated before and after pictures, and they are certified by the ISHRS with many years of experience.
If you’d like to learn more about the FUE method of hair transplantation and get a graft and price quote for your specific hair needs, give us a call for a free consultation today.
Press release: botched hair transplant surgeries on the rise
As medical science continues to advance, hair transplants become increasingly common. Unfortunately, so has the occurrence of botched hair transplant surgeries.
A botched hair transplant refers to a hair transplant gone wrong. Often times, patients that are victims of botched hair transplant surgeries look worse off after the surgery than they did before the surgery.
Botched hair transplants come in many different forms. It can be a bad FUT/Strip scar that has scar tissue that is highly visible, noticeable scarring in the extraction or recipient areas, or a minimal to non-existent graft survival rate.
According to hair restoration surgeon Dr. Amir Yazdan, this rise in botched hair transplant surgeries has increased dramatically in recent years. He states that when he first began transplanting hair about 10 years ago, fixing botched hair transplants made up an extremely small sample of his patients. Now, resolving botched cases accounts for almost half of his active surgery patients.
Botched hair transplants have damaging and lasting effects. Not only do they cause patients to spend double or triple what they would have if their first surgery was successful to fix their hair, but the valuable donor area of the scalp can be permanently damaged. This damage means that even a corrective surgery may not be possible.
So how do you make sure you’re not the next victim of a botched hair transplant surgery? Dr. Amir Yazdan says “research, research, research. An experienced hair transplant surgeon will have plenty of positive reviews, before and after photos, and won’t shy away from any questions.”
If you’d like to learn more about Dr. Amir Yazdan’s practice or how to avoid being the next victim of a botched hair transplant, visit his website at modenahair.com.
Hair transplants then versus now
Hair transplants have changed a lot over the years. Hair transplants were first developed in the 1950’s but didn’t gain popularity until the 1980’s.
Due to the newness of the technology available and the lack of experience of the doctors at the time, the results of these hair transplants were not too favorable. Grafts or “plugs” were taken out of the donor zone, and placed sporadically in the balding areas. This haphazard placing of grafts led to the appearance of the hair being ‘plugged’ in. Many individuals were left with their hair looking very doll-like.
Thankfully, hair transplant technology has advanced tremendously over the past 40 years. Specially crafted tools are used to extract and place grafts. Grafts are now placed closely together, just like our natural hair is, which gives the transplanted hair a nice, natural, and blended look. Experienced and qualified hair transplant surgeons are now able to leverage their skills and techniques to give the best and most natural looking hair outcomes possible.
Unfortunately, not all surgeons are up to date on the latest techniques. Some less experienced surgeons are still using the plug technique as is illustrated below.
Most individuals seeking hair restoration are not looking for this plug-like look. Your best defense against a botched hair transplant surgery such as this one, is to research research research. While hair transplants are considered a non-invasive cosmetic procedure, when they go wrong they can make a drastic difference in your overall appearance. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, read reviews, and study the before and after pictures of your prospective surgeon.
If you are the victim of a botched surgery and would like to learn more about what options are available to you to fix your hair, give us a call today. Here at Modena, we specialize in reparative hair transplant surgery.
Case Study – Botched Strip FUT Hair Transplant Surgery Repaired by Dr. Yazdan
Patient presented 1 year post-op with a scar that was the result of a botched Strip/FUT hair transplant. The patient was not satisfied with the results his previous surgeon had given him. As you can see, the scar is thick, wide, and very obvious. In addition, there was poor graft survival rate in the recipient zone. This patient had traveled abroad to get his surgery in an attempt to save money.
The appearance of our hair is directly tied to our confidence and self-esteem. Its no surprise that hair loss results in a lower self-confidence. When we are examining the effects of a botched surgery, the harm it has on an individual’s emotional and mental state is heightened. They go into a hair transplant surgery thinking the issue causing them stress will be resolved. Instead, they come out worse than before. The patient in this case study was extremely upset about the results of his surgery, rightfully so.
Dr. Yazdan took his case as a scar repair procedure. As seen in the before picture, the patient had no hair growth in the scarred area due to scar tissue. Dr. Yazdan transplanted grafts into the scar so that hair could grow in that area and cover the appearance of the scar. As seen in the after pictures, the patient now has full hair coverage throughout the scarred area. The patient states they feel immensely better, having a new sense of restored self-confidence and self-esteem.
Don’t let this be you! While hair restoration surgery is minimally invasive, it is still a medical surgery. That means your surgeon needs to be qualified and experienced. Do not hesitate to research and ask questions. A good hair transplant surgeon will take the time to walk you through the process and share their results with you. If you’d like to learn more about scar repair options, give us a call.
Botched Hair Transplant Surgery – How to avoid it happening to you
Unfortunately, botched hair transplants are becoming increasingly common. Every week we see handfuls of patients for consultations seeking a corrective hair transplant or scar repair procedure done.
Botched hair transplant surgeries often leave the patient’s hair looking worse off than before. Botched can refer to the scar left by the Strip/FUT incision, extreme shock loss in the donor area, or a minimal-nonexistent survival rate of the transplanted grafts.
Don’t let this happen to you! There are many ways you can avoid ending up with a botched hair transplant surgery. I discuss two of those ways below.
First, and most importantly, do your research. Below is a list of useful questions to ask your prospective hair transplant surgeon:
- How many years of experience do you have transplanting hair?
- Do you use a machine or hand tools to assist you in extracting and placing grafts?
- What size punch tool do you use?
- Do you have any before and after pictures?
- Do you have any testimonials?
- Are you certified by the ISHRS?
- Will you be the one actually performing my surgery?
- What percentage success rate do you have for graft survival and overall successful outcomes for hair transplant surgeries?
Second, consider the cost benefit analysis. While a cheaper cost for surgery sounds ideal, its true what they say about getting what you pay for. Most cases of botched surgeries are a result of someone choosing a cheaper surgical option, whether that means going abroad or choosing someone with inferior credentials. Although you may save money in the short term, you end up spending more than you would have if you’d chosen the right surgeon the first time when you have to pay for a second surgery to repair your botched hair transplant.
While there are methods to correct a bad hair transplant or repair a bad Strip/FUT scar, not everyone is a candidate for these options. The best way to avoid this scenario is to take every precaution prior to your first surgery. It is much easier to do a surgery right the first time than it is to try and repair a botched one.
Here at Modena, we stand by every surgery we do. Feel free to browse our before and afters as well as our repair case studies. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have during a consultation. Save yourself the time, money, and stress of trying to repair a botched surgery and get it done right the first time.
Case Study – Botched Strip FUT Scar Repaired by Dr. Yazdan Using Scalp Micropigmentation
Patient had Strip/FUT hair transplant surgery by a doctor who claimed to be an experienced hair restoration surgeon. During the surgery, the patient states he experienced immense pain as it felt like the technicians and doctor were struggling and pulling at his scalp tissue. When he asked the doctor what was going on he was told they were having trouble sewing the scalp back together. As the pictures illustrate, the resulting scar from this traumatic procedure left masses of scar tissue. All of this scar tissue left huge areas of no hair growth on the back and sides of the scalp.
The patient came to Modena Hair Center seeking a scar repair procedure. Dr. Yazdan assessed the scalp and the existing damage caused by the previous botched Strip/FUT hair transplant surgery. After evaluating all of their options, Dr. Yazdan and the patient agreed Scalp Micro-pigmentation would yield the best results. The patient now has coverage on the scar tissue area, creating a fuller more natural appearance of the hair.
Don’t let this be you! While hair restoration surgery is minimally invasive, it is still a medical surgery. That means your surgeon needs to be qualified and experienced. Do not hesitate to research and ask questions. A good hair transplant surgeon will take the time to walk you through the process and share their results with you. If you’d like to learn more about scar repair options, give us a call.
