Is there an option to grow my hair back through scar tissue? (Photos)

Question

I went to a hair Salon and was getting weave she sewed my scalp instead of the hair I had a major infection all over my head some grew back but the spots that won't grow back but everything I tried I have a flat surface where the hair won't grow I think it's a keloid but I don't know what to do anybody got answers please tell me I need help

Amir Yazdan, MD · Answer

Our scalps are similar to our skin in that it is made up of layers of dermis. Our scalps are even more prone to infection than the rest of our skin due to the natural secretion of sebum and the hair covering, which can not only hide wounds but make them worse. It’s great to hear the infection has been resolved. First and foremost, your health is the most important thing
Regarding hair growth through scar tissue, we usually don’t see hair growth through scar tissue. This is due to the damaged tissue. Our hair’s follicles reside in the tissue, if the tissue is damaged, the follicles are damaged as well. Eventually, as the tissue heals and repairs itself, we sometimes see new growth in some patients. But, if it happens at all this process can take months to years. However long it takes for your body to break down the scar tissue. This will depend on various factors such as the depth and severity of the scar tissue, if you’re prone to keloid formation, and how your particular body breaks down scar tissue. Some patients have more scar tissue than others.

That being said, you may be a candidate for a hair transplant procedure known as scar repair surgery. What I would recommend is to visit a certified hair transplant surgeon who has experience with transplanting grafts into scar tissue. We have seen great results from these procedures. The newly transplanted follicles grow in the scar tissue, coming in naturally and covering the visibility of the scar. Feel free to explore more information about this procedure on my website.

Jennifer Krejci, MD · Answer

Infections, lupus, tight weaves, burns can all lead to inflammation and scarring of the scalp. Once the hair follicle is scarred, it will not grow back no matter what caused it. Transplanting hairs from a healthy part of your scalp to the scar is possible. You should definitely see a dermatologist to make sure that the diagnosis of traumatic alopecia is correct and that the inflammation has resolved. Then, you can pursue transplant but make sure they are also familiar with planting into scars and working with afrocentric hair.

Karl Hekimian, MD · Answer

Hair transplantation in this setting could replace the missing hair.  It would likely require more than one procedure.  Depending on the quality of the scar tissue, injecting fat cells prior to attempting hair transplantation could improve the quality of the tissue and improve graft take.
The first logical step would be to visit a hair restoration surgeon for an examination and to discuss options.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

Hair does not grow as well in scars compared to non scarred tissue. If there is ongoing inflammation the growth will be even poorer. I'd suggest seeing a dermatologist to review your scalp and consider a biopsy. If there is in fact ongoing inflammation you'll need anti-inflammatory treatment to stop hair loss.

Is there an option to grow my hair back through scar tissue? (Photos)

Answers (4)

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