I had a scalp biopsy when I was younger. I haven’t had hair grow back much. How do I grow my hair back where it was? (Photo)

Question

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

Hair loss to some degree will usually occur after a scalp biopsy. If the biopsy is a 4 mm punch biopsy, the area of hair loss that is left behind after the biopsy heals is quite small and sometimes it can even be not very noticeable. Usually, the scarred area is small. There is always a possibility of hair loss after a biopsy- and in fact that should be the expectation. If the biopsy is a larger excisional biopsy, the area of scarring may be larger than seen with a punch biopsy. Your area of hair loss seems larger than would be predicted from a 4 mm punch biopsy which makes me wonder if it is a different type or method of biopsy and whether there is an underlying scalp or hair condition in that area that was also contributing to hair loss. If there is no active hair loss in the area now, hair transplantation can be considered. A plastic surgeon may also assist in reducing the size of the area depending on what was the reason for hair loss in the first place. Your photos show an atypical amount of hair loss for a small punch biopsy so there may be a larger array of issues in your story that need careful discussion with your doctors.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

This appears to be a scar from the biopsy you had when you were younger. This can be treated with scalp micropigmentation very effectively, or a hair transplant which would be more expensive

I had a scalp biopsy when I was younger. I haven’t had hair grow back much. How do I grow my hair back where it was? (Photo)

Answers (2)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Hair Loss Treatment

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

I had a scalp biopsy when I was younger. I haven’t had hair grow back much. How do I grow my hair back where it was? (Photo)

Answers (2)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Hair Loss Treatment

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.