Is this normal after a hair transplant? 10 months post op and noticed my recipient area looks like it has peaks & valleys.

Question

I'm about 10 months post fue hair transplant and noticed my recipient area looks like it has peaks & valleys. I've looked at a several others before and after photos that don't look like my case so I'm wondering if this normal or something I should be concerned about. Thanks in advanced for your help!

Amir Yazdan, MD · Answer

Hello, thanks for sharing your questions. In my professional opinion this is a complication known as cobblestoning which generally happens when a hair transplant is done using improper techniques throughout the procedure. To answer your question, yes, this is something you should be concerned about and discuss with your surgeon.

Attached is a video that discusses cobblestoning to help give you some more information, if you have further questions feel free to contact our office at (949) 374-2563.

Attached is a video that discusses cobblestoning to help give you some more information, if you have further questions feel free to contact our office at (949) 374-2563.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for reaching out and sharing your concerns about the texture of your scalp following your FUE hair transplant. At 10 months post-op, most patients expect to see more uniformity in the transplanted area, so it's understandable to be concerned if you notice an uneven texture like "peaks and valleys."

Here are a few considerations:

Healing Process: While most healing occurs within the first few months, some individuals may experience longer periods of settling as the skin and hair follicles adjust.

Scar Tissue: The appearance of peaks and valleys could be due to scar tissue or uneven graft placement. This can sometimes happen depending on individual healing responses or surgical technique.

Follow-Up with Your Surgeon: It's crucial to discuss these observations with your surgeon. They can provide insights specific to your case and determine if what you are experiencing is within the expected range of outcomes.

Seek a Second Opinion: If you are not satisfied with the explanation or progress, consider consulting another hair restoration specialist. They can offer a fresh perspective and suggest possible treatments or interventions if necessary.

Potential Treatments: Depending on the cause, treatments such as microneedling, laser therapy, or minor surgical revisions might be recommended to improve the texture.

Your concerns are valid, and addressing them with a specialist who understands the nuances of hair restoration will be beneficial.

Best regards,

Ross Kopelman, DO · Answer

At 10 months post-FUE hair transplant, most people are well into the healing and hair growth phase, so noticing unevenness, like peaks and valleys, in the recipient area can understandably be concerning. While some irregularities in the texture are common early on due to swelling and healing, by this stage, the area should typically be much smoother.
Peaks and valleys could indicate uneven graft placement or scar tissue formation, though this isn’t always a cause for alarm. In some cases, the skin’s natural healing process can lead to slight textural differences that may smooth out with time or additional treatments. However, if the unevenness is pronounced or bothers you, treatments such as microneedling, PRP therapy, or even laser resurfacing can help improve the texture.
It’s always a good idea to follow up with your surgeon to assess the situation and discuss potential options if the appearance doesn’t improve over time.

Is this normal after a hair transplant? 10 months post op and noticed my recipient area looks like it has peaks & valleys.

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