Hair transplantation is a common way hair loss patients introduce coverage around thinning areas of the scalp to recreate a fuller and more youthful looking hairline. Hair transplants come in different forms and are executed using different techniques. Strip excision (FUT) and follicular unit extraction (FUE) are the two most popular and effective hair transplant techniques used today. Although certain procedures can leave scars, some are significantly more noticeable than others.
The strip method is a method of obtaining follicular units from a donor strip taken from an area of the scalp at the back or sides of the head, removing the grafts from the strip using a microscope, and then transplanting the grafts in the thinning areas. This is a method of obtaining grafts from the donor area whereby a strip of skin is removed from the donor area. The donor site incision is finally stitched closed.
A long and possibly wide linear scar is created with this technique (FUT), which can be noticeable for those who prefer shorter hairstyles. Fortunately, if you have a linear scar from a past hair transplant there are a few options you can use to conceal your scar.
Concealing Hair Transplant Scars: FUE Transplant and Scalp Micropigmentation
FUE procedures can help hide scars from previous hair transplants. The FUE technique removes the hair follicle directly from the scalp using sharp instruments such as punches and forceps. These hair follicles are then placed on to or near previous scars to help hide their appearance.
FUE does not produce any additional linear scars. It can also be performed so that growth of hair follicles are preserved in the donor region. This will help to maintain good coverage in the donor area as you wait for your hair to grow back.
Scalp micropigmentation (SMP) is another technique that can be used to cover scars. SMP involves medical grade tattooing of the scalp to replicate tiny hairs. Micro-dots approximately the size of a ball point pen and the color of the patients’ scalp are meticulously placed in a pattern similar to previous hair density. This procedure can be used either to fill in between thinning hairs or to add the impression of more hair between transplanted hair.
These are just a few of the techniques that can be helpful to hide scars.
Dr. Amir Yazdan, MD, is an internationally renowned hair transplant surgeon, expert guest on Dr. Phil and The Doctors, creator of the GroMD hair restoration product line, ISHRS member, accredited member of the IAHRS and a visceral advocate for patient care. Learn more about Dr. Yazdan or read rave reviews from his patients.
