Hair Transplant Scar

One of the most common complaints among patients who have had a hair transplant is the fact that they now have an unsightly hair transplant scar stretching across the back of their heads.

A bad hair transplant scar can be embarassing and can result in having to keep your hair long just to cover it up.

The most common hair transplant scar is from having the FUSS method done - usually badly.  Choosing a surgeon who has extensive experience with the FUSS method of hair transplant can help to ensure your scar stays very small.

When I had my first hair transplant done, I did not interview a lot of surgeons. I basically went with the first guy in the phone book and trusted what the sales person told me. Big mistake. 

The surgery was horrible and resulted in the surgeon (I use that term lightly) having to take a second strip out of my head because they hadn't calculated properly the first time. (This was all in one surgery session mind you).

I found out later (from my second, infinitely better, hair transplant surgeon - one of the best in the field) that the first surgeon had actually cut the strip down too low on my scalp which had caused excessive stretching of the tissue.  This caused my scar to be extra wide and plain ugly.

Fortunately my second surgeon helped to repair my hair transplant scar but it did end up costing me (a fee which I gladly paid). Many surgeons can now repair the scar so that it's reduced and hairs can actually grow through your scar, which also helps to cover it up.

If you're interested in having your scar reduced or repaired, look for a surgeon with extensive experience in scar repair. You should be able to see pictures of scar repair and discuss your particular situation with your doctor.

Another way people are getting around having a large scar in the first place is by electing to have the FUE method of hair transplant.  While the FUE may be more expensive, it does result in less bleeding and less of a chance of scarring.

In addition to the skill of your surgeon there are some other things that can affect your hair transplant scar.  For example, try to avoid aerobic exercise (especially heavy lifting) for at least 6 months after you have your hair transplant.

Rest as much as you can. And if it's advised by your surgeon, the FUE method, although resulting in less grafts being transplanted, can result in less of a scar.