Category: More on Scarring

Have there been many advances to the visible scarring problem that is talked so much about?

This is an interesting question, most appropriately directed to me. A small number of patients do develop noticeable scars (less than 5% of first time patients). This is more intrinsic to the healing properties of the patient themselves, but the techniques used by the surgeon have not generally been able to address the unique needs of the small number of patients with a scarring problem. Now there is a new closure process that allows the surgeon to better address the scarring risk in this 5% of patients that have a scar widening tendency. We are using this new technique in virtually all patients. We have actively solicited patients who have widened scars as a new business activity and have been repairing scars from patients who come from around the world.

Do most people have visible scars from a traditional hair transplant?

The answer is that every person that receives a cut to the skin gets a visible scar. The more appropriate question should be: How often are scars large enough to be seen in social conditions? Most people who have donor hair taken with a traditional incision get a scar that is about 1-2 mm wide. A scar of this width can only been seen by combing back the hair and closely observing the scar with good lighting. Fully 95% of patients fall into this category. These scars should never be detected when the hair is at least 1/4 inch in length (this may not apply to a coarse, straight haired individual). If a person shaves his head, a pencil line scar will be evident in virtually everyone.