2 years post-op crown transplant & need revision due to discomfort, is this a good option? (Photo)

Question

Hi, I had a crown transplant over two years ago. I do not believe it was done properly and is extremely uneven. With a random mix of thick and thin spots, its as if someone is tugging on my hair every time I move my head. I have exhausted all other treatments Rogaine, finasteride, laser, prp. Is a revision by another doctor a good option? Its unbelievably uncomfortable and I'm getting desperate.

George Abrahamian, MD · Answer

Hello, Dr. George Abrahamian MD here, from La FUE Hair Clinic, Pasadena, CA. The areas of mismatched density can be repaired with a second transplant, however the discomfort may be due to (but not limited to) underlying damage to the skin/nerves that can occur after a hair transplant procedure. Nerves do not always heal the right way, and although extremely rare, can cause lasting discomfort after a hair transplant. This is known as allodynia, where the nerve has a pain response to something that should not elicit pain. A nerve conduction study ordered by your primary care provider may help you to understand if the underlying nerves are contributing to the increased pain. 
A second transplant should help with the density of the areas that you are lacking. However, it is unlikely that a second transplant will alleviate discomfort from complications during recovery of the first transplant, especially if the discomfort is due to nerve issues. If there are ingrown hairs in the area causing the irritation/discomfort, then those can be removed by a dermatologist or a hair transplant surgeon. 
I hope this helps, best of luck on your hair restoration journey!

Matt Tahsini, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question, It is a little difficult to see your picture and know what advice to give you without seeing pictures before any procedures. From what I see in your picture it doesn't look too bad. The crown area is tough compared to other areas of the scalp. I suggest seeing a reputable doctor in person to discuss your concerns. Best of luck to you.

Dr. T

Dr. T

Audrey G. Bauer, MD · Answer

Whenever I counsel a patient I make it very clear that most patients will want more than one procedure in order to get better density in the recipient area. Your actual results look very good to me. But there is no harm is doing a second transplant in order to improve density and uniformity. Sometime results look patchier after a few years because native hair that was present at the first procedure has now fallen out, leaving blank areas. Continued use of maintenance medications is crucial to prevent that from happening. Regardless of all of that, your scalp discomfort is unusual and will likely be worsened, not improved, by additional procedures.

Firdavs Ahmedov, MD · Answer

Crown area is a little bit more difficult area for transplant comparing to other areas of scalp. It is also important to see the previous photos to decide it is a good result or not. But if you are not comfortable with the results you can demand another operation with a professional to increase the density in the crown. If medication did not work this is a good option.

2 years post-op crown transplant & need revision due to discomfort, is this a good option? (Photo)

Answers (4)

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