I shaved my head 11 months post-FUE, now I have scarring —is this a concern? (Photo)

Question

Hello doctors, I shaved my head with the razor 11 months post FUE, the front part where I had the transplant is okay but found these scars at the doner area (photos attached). Is there any thing to worry? How can I get rid of it. Please help.

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

FUE harvesting is often misrepresented by doctors who promote FUE as a “scarless” surgery, but if you cut or shave your hair short, FUE harvesting of grafts can give you a “moth-eaten” appearance because the hairs that were harvested from your donor area do not grow back. Scalp Micropigmentation is a non-surgical treatment that can be used to help disguise the scars from an FUE procedure.

Sara Salas, MD · Answer

There isn't anything to be concerned about unless you always shave your scalp like the picture you posted. In that case please consult with a clinic that provides smp such as ours.

Justin Rome, MD · Answer

It is completely normal for there to be visible marks from FUE when shaving your hair with a razor.  What you can do scalp camouflage which is also known as SMP (Scalp Micrpigmentation).

William Woessner, MD · Answer

You should consult a surgeon member of ISHRS.org for an in-office evaluation. You should consider scalp micropigment tattooing to camouphlage the scars that concern you.

Richard E. Moore, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and posting your pictures. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a scar-less hair transplant for many patients. The areas of hypo-pigmentation that you have experienced are fairly common following an FUE procedure. We make sure all of our patients are aware of this possibility during their initial consultation. A slight stubble of hair will usually camouflage this or you could consider scalp micro-pigmentation to conceal the scars.I hope this was helpful - Dr. Moore.

David Perez-Meza, MD, FISHRS · Answer

Thank you, great question. Unfortunately scarless surgery is not the reality after harvesting the grafts of the donor area. Scarring (microcircular and hypoigmented scars) of the donor area after donor harvesting with FUExcision is the most common complication. You have two options: 1. keep your hair longer. 2. Camouflage the scars with micro pigmentation of the scalp. Good luck.

Karl Hekimian, MD · Answer

Despite what you may have heard or read, the FUE procedure is not "scarless".  The scars are more subtle than those you see with the FUT, but usually you need some stubble to cover it up; shaving your scalp smooth with a razor will expose the scars.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

Too many doctors tell their patients that the FUE is a scarless surgery. That is clearly not the case. This is best treated with Scalp Micropigmentation, something we do all of the time

I shaved my head 11 months post-FUE, now I have scarring —is this a concern? (Photo)

Answers (8)