How Common is Scalp Necrosis After Hair Transplantation Surgery?

Question

What are the risk factors and what is the incidence? I am 56 years old and a NW 6. I will be getting 3500 grafts in the anterior to mid scalp at 40 units per sq cm. Does my age put me at increased risk? I am a non smoker and not a diabetic and in good health. Should I be worried about getting necrosis?

Sara Salas, MD · Answer

necrosis on the scalp is exceedingly rare. If you go to a reputable clinic then you decrease teh rare chance because they will take many standard steps to lower the chance of necrosis.

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

Necrosis is rare is it is usually due to surgeon error.  I agree with Dr. Kabaker and his wisdom. If you are worried about about scalp necrosis, choose your doctor wisely.Some talk about high number FUE (3000+) being a risk factor for scalp necrosis.

Sanusi Umar, MD · Answer

Age alone should not put you at increased risk. Some important risk factors include:

	
		Cigarette smoking history
	
		Past instances of scalp necrosis
	
		Vascular disease
	
		Past scalp surgeries


	Consult your doctor about these and other risk factors.

Jack Fisher, MD · Answer

Scalp Necrosis is extremely rare after a hair transplant and is unlikely in the hands of a competent transplant surgeon.

Rashid M. Rashid, PhD, MD · Answer

it is very rare but the chances increase with the size of the case and risk factors such as age, smoking and so forth. it is critical you discuss this with your physician(not the sales team) before the procedure.

How Common is Scalp Necrosis After Hair Transplantation Surgery?

Answers (5)