FUT or surgical scars
A stable linear scar may sometimes be softened with carefully spaced grafts.
What scar repair can achieve
Transplanted hairs may break up the colour and texture contrast between a scar and the surrounding hair-bearing skin. The scar itself remains. The objective is camouflage, not erasure.
Growth can be less predictable in scar tissue.
Reduced or uneven blood supply may lower graft survival and make staged treatment more appropriate.
Scars that may be assessed
Trauma or burn scars
Suitability depends on depth, vascularity, thickness, location and whether the scar is fully mature.
Previous transplant scars
Repair may combine grafting, donor camouflage and a broader plan to correct earlier work.
When surgery should be delayed or avoided
- the scar is still changing, red, painful, raised or itchy;
- there is active infection, inflammation or scarring alopecia;
- the skin is very thin, poorly vascularised or repeatedly ulcerates;
- there is a strong tendency to form keloids;
- donor supply is insufficient for a realistic improvement.
Assessment and test grafting
The surgeon should review the cause and age of the scar, skin mobility, colour, thickness, sensation and blood supply. For uncertain scars, a small test session may be considered before committing a larger number of grafts.
Density and staged treatment
Attempting normal-scalp density in one session can overload scar tissue. A safer plan may use conservative spacing, assess growth and add a second stage only if healing and survival justify it.
Risks and realistic limitations
- lower or uneven growth compared with normal scalp;
- temporary redness, swelling, numbness or shedding;
- infection, poor healing or further visible scarring;
- the scar remaining visible under short hair or strong lighting;
- the need for more than one procedure.
