I think I have a failed transplant, should I go for another hair transplant? (Photos)

Question

Hi, I’m at the 10 month mark and I’m so saddened and distraught to see that my hair is very much what it looked like before . I think I may have scarring alopecia or something else that causes the follicles not to grow. I see where the hair has been transplanted but it hasn’t grown at all and has just scarred over. What do you think my next steps should ?

Sanusi Umar, MD · Answer

I am deeply sorry to hear about your dissatisfaction with the outcome of your hair transplant. Generally, I do advise waiting until month twelve following your surgery before working to reach a conclusion as to whether or not your grafts had survived. Of course, for your own sense of inner peace I also recommend that you communicate your concerns with the doctor who performed your procedure. They may have other insights for you to consider. If you are feeling frustrated at this point, you can choose to start having this dialogue now, rather than waiting two more months to perhaps have this conversation now, to also discuss  your observations about your scars. In most cases the full extent of hair transplant results culminate between 12-18 months following surgery. Around this time you may want to see if you are a candidate for another procedure, given your tendency to form the scars that you mentioned.

Christine M. Shaver, MD · Answer

A common cause of a failed hair transplant in African Americans is the surgeon missing a diagnosis of primary scarring alopecia. In this case the scalp is literally attacking the transplanted hair and a repeat hair transplant would also not expected to be successful. This condition is recognized by scaling and redness around the follicles and diagnosed by biopsy. The condition is treated medically rather than by surgery. However, if the cause of the failed transplant was poor surgical technique, then a repeat procedure would be warranted as long as the remaining donor supply was adequate. In all cases, a repeat procedure should not be contemplated unless the cause of the failure can be identified and corrected.

Anna Petropoulos, MD, FRCS · Answer

Good morning, It is important to have a professional examination by a specialist under a magnifier to determine if there are baby hairs still trying to grow - this is still possible at the 10 month mark and also with a trichometer. We do this type of examination routinely at our practice. About once a month we have a visiting specialist who specialises in African American Hair and transplants. Her next date is 11/22.  If no hairs are visible then a biopsy would be the next step. We also need to make sure that you are on the appropriate supplementation that we always give our patients peri-operatively. There are many on the market and our preferred one has over 20 special herbs that enhance hair growth. PRP is also a possibility to stimulate growth and we have found success in using PRP with hair  transplants in a patient with documented scarring alopecia. There are also other regenerative medicine avenues to discuss.I hope this was useful for you ! Best of luck in your quest, Sincerely, Dr. Anna PetropoulosBoard Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon Boston's North Shore

Ilhan Serdaroglu, MD · Answer

The reason of the hair loss may related with factors other than genetic like connective tissue disorders, stress, anemia, lupus, medications, hormonal and seasonal changes, nutritional problems, severe diets, bulimia, protein/calorie deficiency, zinc and essential amino-acid deficiency, mal-absorption (intestinal and digestive problems), A-vitamin excess, general anesthesia, affective mood disorders.So you may need dermatoscopy, skin biopsy and to have a full exam with a dermatologist or hair surgeon, to figure out the reason for hair loss.

Matt Tahsini, MD · Answer

Hello. I’m so sorry to hear about a possible failed transplant. I completely understand your frustration and disbelief. The first step is to see a hair loss professional and get a biopsy and take it from there. Best wishes.Dr. T

I think I have a failed transplant, should I go for another hair transplant? (Photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: Failed transplant

Answer: Failed transplant

Answer: Possible failed transplant

Answer: Possible failed transplant

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Hair Transplant

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

I think I have a failed transplant, should I go for another hair transplant? (Photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: Failed transplant

Answer: Failed transplant

Answer: Possible failed transplant

Answer: Possible failed transplant

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Hair Transplant

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.