What are the options for restoration of lost sideburns after facelift? I am female, and in the UK.

Question

A year ago I had a botched facelift resulting in the loss of my sideburns/temporal tuft. The incisions were in my temporal hairline and it seems that almost all the hair below the incision was permanently removed when the skin was excised. I also have a wide white scar here, where the incision was closed with staples. Will I be able to have a hair transplant procedure, even though the skin there is presumably now non-hair-bearing. If so, how successful is it likely to be, and what are the risks?

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

I would suggest that you start by booking a consultation with a hair transplant surgeon in your area. You also might benefit from scar revision surgery first. Since you had a bad experience with your surgeon, perhaps seek a second opinion. So sorry that you are experiencing this, but there are solutions. Best, Dr. Nazarian

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Facelift and correction of sideburnThere is always a tradeoff in this part of the face in elevation of the hairline, vs scar ,vs correction of the cheekAt this point ,  follicular unit grafts and scar revision will offer the best outcome

Richard Zienowicz, MD · Answer

This should be a fairly simple solution.  Any hair replacement physician can graft the area of concern and there would be minimal downtime involved.  There is a 3 -4 month period of waiting for the new hair cells to begin to grow permanently called the telogen phase but once the hair grows in your problem should be solved.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Sorry to hear about your experience, it sounds very unfortunate. Speak with someone who specializes in hair transplantation for best options. All the best,

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

This really should not happen and you certainly have my sympathy. Depending on the anatomy hair in the area can be translocated. Short of this there are new here grafting techniques that are very specific with little donor site morbidity. This probably will end up being the best solution.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

It also may be possible to undermine your remaining sideburn region and transpose it inferiorly to recreate a better sideburn.  This may only add a cm or 2 but this may be enough to correct the issue.

Amir Nakhdjevani, MBBS, MRCS, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

A hair transplant to replace the hair you have lost would be an ideal treatment for you and could also be combined with PRP treatment in order to boost collagen production and stimulate hair growth.A hair transplant will be successful assuming that you are medically fit and well. This would all be discussed with you at the time of consultation. The full results of hair transplantation can be seen anything up to 18 months as more and more hairs will grow in that time.The risks of hair transplantation are not dissimilar to any other type of surgery however as long as you research your surgeon, and are comfortable with the technique being used then there is every chance of success.

Sirius K. Yoo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  You will probably be most satisfied with hair transplants to the area.  The follicles can usually be placed directly in the scar itself, thus obviating the need for scar revision.

Damien Grinsell MBBS, FRACS (Plast) · Answer

Hi.  This problem is common with the traditional incision line which was placed in the temporal hair and when the face is suspended the extra skin which is removed involves removal of hair bearing skin.  Modern incisions trace a line around the temporal hairline so it is not removed.  The best option is hair transplantation and this can be done into the scar as well.  Other options include hair bearing flaps or grafts.Regards

Ritu Chopra, MD · Answer

This is a difficult problem to fix.  If the scar is wide and white it can be revised if there is enough laxity. In addition hair transplant may be able to help and restore your hairline but may not be able to be planted directly into the scar. I hope this helps!Ritu Chopra MD

What are the options for restoration of lost sideburns after facelift? I am female, and in the UK.

Answers (15)

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