Hair Transplant Scars: Types, Causes & How to Reduce Them

A hair transplant can be a wonderful thing to support your hair goals, but sometimes it can leave you with scar tissue, which can be unsettling. In this article, we'll go through the causes of hair transplant scars, the types of scars that can occur, and how to reduce their presence. 

What Causes Hair Transplant Scars? 

Hair transplant scars are usually caused by either the transplant process itself, the surgical technique or individual healing. Though there are different types of hair transplants, each of them involves removing hair follicles from one area of the scalp and transferring them to the desired growth area.

This process naturally leaves behind a scar, though the type and severity of the scar depend on the type of transplant and procedure technique. During the transplant process, a doctor may make an incision that's too low, short, or long; scarring may vary depending on surgical technique and individual healing. 

In addition to the transplant process and the skill of a surgeon, scars can also be caused by a tight scalp. This is because a tight scalp increases tension and can cause existing scars to widen while the transplant heals. Scars may also become apparent if too many follicles are removed from an area with low hair density.  

Types of Hair Transplant Scars

Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) scars

In a FUE hair transplant, individual follicles are removed and transferred to the desired area of your scalp. As a result, tiny dot scars are left behind on the skin of the donor area.

In general, FUE scars leave minimal scarring compared with FUT scars. FUE scars can be concealed with long hair growth, although they may appear more pronounced if hair is buzzed very short or shaved.  

Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) scars

FUT hair transplant surgery involves removing a strip of skin from the donor area before taking individual follicles from the strip for transplanting. This process leaves behind a horizontal scar, which can vary in width due to surgical skill and your own natural healing process.

A FUT scar can still be concealed by longer hair, although these scars may still be more visible than FUE transplant scars.  

Hair plug scars 

The hair plug method of hair transplants involves removing large grafts of hair from one area of the scalp to another. This process has largely been supplanted by FUE and FUT transplants, and was known to leave behind noticeable scarring. Many people who have undergone hair plug treatment are left with scars that persist if they have not undergone scar revision surgery to minimise their appearance. 

How to Reduce Hair Transplant Scars

Though modern hair transplant methods still leave some scarring, their appearance can be minimised if the correct processes are followed. 

Post-transplant care

After your transplant has been completed, your attending surgeon will give you advice on how to treat your affected areas to promote proper healing and avoid scar tissue. This may involve applying ointments, cleaning your scalp, and avoiding activities that could cause your scars to widen or become more noticeable, such as strenuous exercise and sun exposure.

It's important to follow your surgeon's aftercare instructions closely to avoid scarring or other complications following your hair transplant. The visibility of scars may reduce over time depending on individual healing and aftercare.

Scar-reducing products

In addition to your prescribed ointments, other products may assist in improving the appearance of scars from your hair restoration procedure. Silicone-based gels and sheets form a barrier between your skin and the elements and can help hydrate and heal the areas they are applied to. Your doctor can advise you on which products to use to gain the most benefit for your individual circumstances.

Hairstyling

The style of your hair can dictate how much visible scarring is evident post-hair transplantation. Opting for cuts that leave you with longer hair can easily cover any scar tissue from your transplant. Short hair (especially if shaved down to the scalp) can lead to more visible scarring, regardless of the transplant procedure you've undergone. 

Scalp micropigmentation

As its name suggests, scalp micropigmentation involves inserting small pigments of ink to colour hair transplant scarred areas. This ink lasts from 3 to 5 years, and will not change colour with your hair; if you receive black ink micropigmentation and your hair goes grey, your micropigmentation will remain black.

Other hair transplant scar treatments

In cases of extreme post-hair transplant scars, corrective surgery may be undertaken. This is more common for FUT hair transplants and hair plugs, as scars from these procedures are generally larger and more visible. Often, FUT scars can be covered up with an additional FUE hair transplant, with follicular unit extractions inserted into the scar tissue. 

In conjunction with pigmentation, some clinics may offer laser therapy to minimise scarring. However, such laser treatment options were not originally designed to address hair transplant scars, and results may differ between individuals.

All procedures and treatments may carry risks. A consultation with a qualified healthcare practitioner is required to determine whether treatment is appropriate.

Addressing Your Hair Transplant Scars

Most hair transplants leave scars, which can be distressing if they don't heal properly. Thankfully, Gro Clinics is here to support you. Our skilled surgeons can give you the appropriate treatment options and proper aftercare advice to support optimal healing.

Book a consultation with Gro Clinics today to discuss possible approaches to managing visible scarring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do hair transplants cause scars?

Yes, they can. Each hair transplant procedure involves some level of scarring. The amount and severity can vary depending on the procedures, based on the type of transplant performed and a surgeon's skill.

How do you reduce hair transplant scars?

The appearance of hair transplant scars can be reduced through a variety of measures, including scalp micropigmentation, the application of various gels and barriers, haircuts that conceal transplant scars, and, in extreme cases, corrective surgery.

The biggest factor that can influence your transplant scars is your aftercare. By following your surgeon's aftercare instructions properly, you can minimise the appearance of any scalp scars caused by your transplant.

Do hair transplant scars go away? 

While hair transplant scars do not disappear completely, their appearance can be greatly diminished over time and with proper aftercare practices, such as following your doctor's post-transplant advice, applying gels and barriers to hydrate and diminish scarring, and allowing your body to naturally heal. Remaining scar tissue can range from faint to almost invisible.

How visible are hair transplant scars?

The visibility of hair transplant scars on your scalp can depend on a variety of factors, including the location of the scars, the type of transplant procedure undertaken, whether proper technique was used by a transplant surgeon, and an individual's hairstyle.

Are some hair transplant scars harder to conceal? 

Yes, they are. The FUT procedure can result in a long scar, whereas FUE transplant scars are usually in the form of tiny white dots and can be barely visible.

Can you get a hair transplant if you have scars?

Yes, you can. While new hair can be grown on existing scar tissue, it requires the correct techniques and is dependent on the size, location, and amount of healthy donor hair available to conceal it.