Hair Transplant Question: Will FUE hair transplant on a black scalp create visible scars? (photo)

Question

I am considering getting a hair transplant, but I like to keep my hair short. In addition, if the growth of the new hair is not adequate, as a back up plan, I wish to shave my head. Will an FUE transplant create visible scars on the back of my head (donor area)? Also, is it possible to avoid scarring the back of my head by using donor hairs entirely from the body?

Sanusi Umar, MD · Answer

For patients considering a hair transplant, the issue of wound healing and FUE recovery time often sits at the forefront of the mind. Body hair transplant involves the use of hair grafts from non-head areas such as the beard, chest, stomach area, arms, legs to balding areas. With my invention of the Dr.UGraft, I took patient concerns to heart and designed a tool that minimizes wounds size and promotes rapid, aesthetically pleasing FUE wound healing, especially for African Americans.
I encourage you to consult with a physician for any further medical advice. I am always available for a free online consultation as well.
For more information on FUE wound healing use the link below.

Amir Yazdan, MD · Answer

Finding an experienced, qualified Hair Transplant Surgeon that specializes in FUE is key. You'll want to research and make sure the surgeon uses a smaller punch for incision as this will ultimately cause minimal scarring. I usually use a .9mm punch for African American patients as their hair is a little more coarse and textured. This is still significantly smaller than other devices such as the Artas robot which uses about a 1.3mm punch.  Another factor for you specifically being an African American you'll want to make sure the Hair Transplant Surgeon you chose has experience in performing surgeries with African American patients as the hair follicles themselves are curly(c shaped) and more difficult to extract and transplant as well as run the higher risk of keloid scarring.

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

FUE is a method of harvesting grafts.  It does NOT always work well on curly African American hair.  You need to have an exam and even a FUE test (we call it FOX Test).  Most doctors may not offer this.  If are a good candidate for FUE, you need to understand that you will get scarring in the form of pale 1mm dots (thousands of them).  FUE is not a scar-less surgery.  There is no such thing as a scar-less surgery. You generally will not see the FUE scar with short hair.  You WILL see it with the head shaved or hair really short 1mm to 2mm short.

Tim Neavin, MD · Answer

The punches for FUE are very small, sometimes under a mm.  However, any time there is injury through the skin there is potential for a scar.  Very small punches yield very small scar which are often not visible (unless you keloid or form hypertrophic scars).

Gregory Turowski, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

I have been doing exclusively FUE hair transplants using Neograft and ARTAS robot for several years. We have performed the procedure on a number of African American patients and I have never encountered keloidal or even visible scar. However, there is of course a chance for developing bad scar. It beats however strip scar any time! Check out our before and after photos and also watch an interview with myself about FUE hair transplantation! As for the body hair we do that as well but it is always a secondary choice in cases when you run out of donor sites on the scalp

Quinton Chivers, MD, FRCS(C) · Answer

Dark skin is more prone to hypertrophic and keloid scars as well as much more commonly pigmentation changes at the donor sites. If you have FUE and then shave your head or decide on a very short hairstyle then the scars may appear like numerous small black or light pale visible dots. Technically, FUE is much trickier with African American or Afro-caribbean type hair resulting in higher transection rates because of the different angles and curved nature of the hair follicles.  Scalp micro-pigmentation may be a good option or simply shaving your head now given the significant stage of your hair loss.Warm Regards,Dr Quinton Chivers

Bessam Farjo, MBChB · Answer

It is certainly possible that any scar on black or very dark skin to stand out more than white skin. This is due to the higher contrast in colours between the very pigmented dark skin and the almost non-pigmented scars. If you have FUE and then shave your head or have a very cropped hairstyle then the scars may appear like numerous small dots that will make you feel uncomfortable about your appearance. Of course if you have FUT, then you may have to contend with a line type scar that may equally make you self conscious with a very short haircut. Also take into account that, technically, FUE is much trickier with African American or Afro-caribbean type hair resulting in higher transection rates of the follicles. You may want to instead of hair transplant consider scalp micro-pigmentation or SMP. In my opinion, it is probably a better solution in black skin with African type hair. the colour blend is usually very good, and no compication of scarring

Narendra Kaushik, MCh, MS, MBBS · Answer

Helloo Jakemartin,Hope You doing fine. I will suggest you to not go for FUE. FUE dont provide results.There 99.99% success in FUT. No back up plan will be needed. It takes time but yes results are wonderfull

Parsa Mohebi, MD, FISHRS · Answer

FUE should not cause scarring if it is done correctly.  Like any other procedure, FUE has been improved in the last few years.  These are the reasons that modern FUE does not cause scarring:Smaller punch sizesBetter distribution of donor areaShallower depth of extractionOf course the FUE transplant is done with a variety of different techniques.  We do not even see hypo pigmentation (small lighter dots on donor area) any more due to the technique improvement in the last few years.

Hassan Nurein, MD · Answer

FUE surgery is like any surgery, this means
whenever skin is broken there is a subsequent scar.FUE leaves behind small dot
or circular scars. The size, shape and colour depends on many factors such as
the punch size, angle of extraction and healing characteristics of the patient.
Dark skin (Black) is more susceptible to keloid formation which means thicker scars.
Scars will be visible in most people but how visible will vary slightly between
people. Your surgeon should be able to assess this during your consultation.  One should remember that the skills of the
Surgeon is one of the most important factors to be taken into consideration.

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