What Is the Role of a Hair Transplant in Scarring Alopecia?

Hair transplantation can be a pivotal aspect of recovery from scarring alopecia, although, for most patients, it should be performed at the optimal time when there is minimal chance of further hair loss. 

Transplants can also be combined with other therapies to ensure the scalp and hair are in the best possible condition to support regrowth.

Scarring alopecia differs from other types of hair loss because when the hair follicles become damaged, scar tissue is also left. Non-scarring alopecia is easier to treat since the follicles remain intact and can be reactivated with non-surgical techniques like platelet-rich plasma therapy.

However, as specialists in complex and bespoke hair transplants and with a team of sector-leading surgeons, the KSL Clinic team can provide tailored advice to ensure you explore all the potential routes to permanent, full hair regrowth.

Can a Hair Transplant Effectively Correct Hair Loss Associated With Scarring Alopecia?

While we’d always like to provide a definitive answer, the reality is that the suitability of a hair transplant for a client with scarring alopecia will depend heavily on the current condition of their scalp and hair. Generally, a transplant can address the visible signs of hair loss by extracting healthy donor hairs and gently implanting them into the bald patches created by the scar tissue.

The caveat is that a lot depends on whether those patches of scarring have a sufficient blood supply to support ongoing hair growth. A specialist evaluation of your scalp and hair is necessary to determine whether a graft would likely become embedded and secure or be unable to survive.

A literature review found that, in patients with scarring alopecia linked to an array of conditions, hair transplant results were positive in 26 of 34 patients – although it is worth using this case study with an acknowledgement that other factors are likely to have contributed to the proportion of patients who saw positive outcomes.

This all means that a hair transplant could be a great option, but it might not be suited to every client. We’d only suggest proceeding with an FUE hair transplant when we have a strong opinion about the procedure’s viability.

Combining Hair Transplants With Non-Surgical Treatments to Address Scarring Alopecia

The primary reason hair transplants can potentially have limited effectiveness for some people with scarring alopecia is that:

• Poor circulation to scar tissue may mean some grafts cannot survive.
• More extensive scarring is far more complex to treat with a hair transplant than minimal or localised patches of hair loss and scarring.
• Success rates will depend on the skill of the surgical team performing the hair transplant and rely on a thorough assessment to ensure all scar tissue has appropriate vascularity to support a graft.

In cases where a hair transplant is a less certain approach due to the severity of scarring or the condition of the scalp, some experts recommend combining a transplant with platelet-rich plasma therapy. Others suggest that combining a hair transplant with a medication such as topical minoxidil is the ideal technique – although this will, of course, depend on your specific requirements, the health of your scalp and hair, and the extent of hair loss. The takeaway is that while there are complexities in a hair transplant performed to correct hair loss caused by scarring alopecia, and in most cases, we’ll recommend supplementary therapy or medication to optimise the results, a transplant can be highly successful.

The Benefits of a Bespoke Hair Transplant for Hair Loss Caused by Scarring Alopecia

Most patients with scarring alopecia consider a hair transplant for the aesthetic impact it can have—and in some cases, even if some grafts fail, the improvements made to the density and thickness of other hair can transform the individual’s confidence.

It is also common to combine a hair transplant with other treatments, and there are rarely any reasons why we cannot suggest both—provided they are suitable for your scalp and hair.

Dr Matee, KSL Clinic’s Director of Surgical Services, says, ‘There are lots of considerations when assessing a client with scarring alopecia and determining whether a hair transplant is the right way forward.

They include an assessment of the texture, depth and health of scar tissue, the availability of healthy donor follicles to restore areas of hair loss, and the appearance the patient aspires to achieve.

If in any doubt, we welcome all prospective clients to schedule a consultation at any of our nationwide clinics. While a hair transplant may not be ideal for every patient, we can provide personalised advice and suggest alternative therapies where these have the best chance of eliminating the appearance of scar tissue once and for all.’