Repair FUE after a bad FUT scar
FUE grafts can be placed into a widened strip scar to break up its appearance, but scar tissue is a poor recipient bed with a compromised blood supply, so survival is lower than in normal scalp and expectations should be set accordingly..
FUE grafts can be placed into a widened strip scar to break up its appearance, but scar tissue is a poor recipient bed with a compromised blood supply, so survival is lower than in normal scalp and expectations should be set accordingly.
Why is scar tissue a harder recipient site?
Scar tissue is a harder recipient site because a graft depends on the bed growing a blood supply into it, and mature scar tissue is fibrous and less vascular than normal scalp, so ingrowth is slower and less reliable. The result is lower survival, so surgeons often plan a staged approach, testing conservative numbers first.
What's realistic to expect from repair FUE in a scar?
Realistic expectations are reduced contrast rather than a scar that disappears entirely, lower density than the surrounding scalp, and possibly two or more sessions. Some grafts failing is expected here rather than a complication, which is why careful surgeons typically begin with a test session before committing further grafts.
- Reduced contrast rather than a scar that disappears
- Lower density than surrounding scalp
- Possibly two or more sessions
- Some grafts failing, which is expected rather than a complication
- A test session first, in careful hands
What are the alternatives to repair FUE for a FUT scar?
Alternatives to repair FUE include scalp micropigmentation, often more predictable than grafting into scar tissue and frequently combined with it; scar revision surgery, which excises and recloses a widened scar under less tension; growing the hair longer as camouflage; or doing nothing, a reasonable choice if the scar is only visible when shaved.
- Scalp micropigmentation, often more predictable than grafting into scar and frequently combined with it
- Scar revision surgery, where a widened scar can be excised and reclosed under less tension
- Growing the hair longer, the simplest camouflage
- Doing nothing, a reasonable option if the scar is only visible when shaved
What donor-supply trade-off does repair FUE involve?
Repair FUE spends donor hair on camouflaging the scar rather than on the top of the head. That is a genuine trade-off: if scalp loss is still progressing, using grafts to camouflage a FUT scar instead of adding density elsewhere needs deliberate, considered thought before you commit to it.
Our repair and correction guide covers the wider options.
Sources
- Parsley WM, Perez-Meza D. Review of factors affecting the growth and survival of follicular grafts. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, 2010;3(2). jcasonline.com
This article summarises published research and standard clinical practice. It is general educational information, not medical advice, and it does not replace the instructions your own surgical team gives you. Where their guidance differs from anything here, follow theirs.
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