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Shannon,
There are several approaches to improving the appearance of unacceptable donor scars left behind from previous non-trichophytic donor harvesting. If there is good elasticity of the scalp and you've healed 'well' in the past, the simplest option is a trichophytic scar revision or scar reduction. A trichophytic scar revision involves the careful removal of a strip scar tissue and the use of the trichophytic technique to allow hair to grow through the (hopefully) smaller scar that is left behind from the revision. Often, this technique provides enough cosmetic improvement to camouflage the scar tissue better than before, although there is always a small risk that no improvement occurs with scar revision/scar reduction attempts.
The other method is "FUE," using follicular-unit extraction to harvest hairs from the donor and redistributing them into the most visibly scarred areas. This is typically a more tedious surgery (and therefore a more expensive process), but it is almost sure to improve visible scars--provided enough donor hair can be extracted and transplanted. There is no stitching with FUE and the recovery is comfortable and quick. Identifying the best areas for harvesting (and implantation) in order to get the best result is critical.
These are techniques I am quite familiar with and I am often asked to perform these procedures for patients. Be sure to do your research regarding surgeons and do not be afraid to travel for this kind of specialized procedure or even an evaluation. Emailing photos for a preliminary evaluation can also be very helpful. The "virtual consultation" process is an easy way to get started. You can find the virtual consultation form on my website here:
Dr. Bauman's Virtual Consultation and then you can email digital photos directly to doctorb@baumanmedical.com for a preliminary evaluation.
I look forward to helping you.
Sincerely,
Dr. B.
Alan J. Bauman, M.D.
Bauman Medical Group
There are several approaches to improving the appearance of unacceptable donor scars left behind from previous non-trichophytic donor harvesting. If there is good elasticity of the scalp and you've healed 'well' in the past, the simplest option is a trichophytic scar revision or scar reduction. A trichophytic scar revision involves the careful removal of a strip scar tissue and the use of the trichophytic technique to allow hair to grow through the (hopefully) smaller scar that is left behind from the revision. Often, this technique provides enough cosmetic improvement to camouflage the scar tissue better than before, although there is always a small risk that no improvement occurs with scar revision/scar reduction attempts.
The other method is "FUE," using follicular-unit extraction to harvest hairs from the donor and redistributing them into the most visibly scarred areas. This is typically a more tedious surgery (and therefore a more expensive process), but it is almost sure to improve visible scars--provided enough donor hair can be extracted and transplanted. There is no stitching with FUE and the recovery is comfortable and quick. Identifying the best areas for harvesting (and implantation) in order to get the best result is critical.
These are techniques I am quite familiar with and I am often asked to perform these procedures for patients. Be sure to do your research regarding surgeons and do not be afraid to travel for this kind of specialized procedure or even an evaluation. Emailing photos for a preliminary evaluation can also be very helpful. The "virtual consultation" process is an easy way to get started. You can find the virtual consultation form on my website here:
Dr. Bauman's Virtual Consultation and then you can email digital photos directly to doctorb@baumanmedical.com for a preliminary evaluation.
I look forward to helping you.
Sincerely,
Dr. B.
Alan J. Bauman, M.D.
Bauman Medical Group
