Do Hair Transplants on Scars Work?

• 21 January 2025
• Dr. Ossman Ashraf

Last updated on January 14, 2025

Hair loss on scarred areas presents unique challenges, whether the scalp scar is caused by surgery, injury, or burns. Unlike normal skin, scar tissue poses distinct hurdles for hair regrowth because it essentially has a very different biological structure to unscarred skin. Fortunately, advances in hair restoration techniques, such as Micro FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) and DHI (Direct Hair Implantation), offer effective solutions for restoring hair on scars. So, let’s look at why hair doesn’t naturally grow on scarred areas, the science behind advanced hair restoration procedures, and how Hair Doctors can help you get thicker, natural hair regrowth on scalp scars.

Why Does Scar Tissue Stop Hair Growth?

Scar tissue forms as part of the body’s healing process after an injury or trauma. While it serves to protect the area, it differs significantly from normal skin:

• Lack of Hair Follicles

  When scar tissue forms, the natural structures of the skin, including hair follicles, are often destroyed. Since scar tissue will have very few if any hair follicles, hair cannot regrow naturally in these areas.

• Reduced Blood Supply

  Scar tissue is usually very dense and has a much lower blood supply compared to healthy skin. This means that there is a much more reduced flow of oxygen and nutrients to the tissue, which hair follicles need to thrive. This makes it difficult for transplanted hair follicles to survive without careful planning and expertise.

• Altered Skin Composition

  If you feel scar tissue, you can see that it is thicker and less elastic than normal skin, which makes hair transplantation much more difficult. The texture and density of scar tissue require advanced techniques to make sure the hair grafts are implanted successfully.

• Inflammation and Fibrosis

  Scarring often involves inflammation and fibrosis (thickening of connective tissue), which can make integrating the new hair follicles seamlessly and naturally into your hairline challenging.

Can Hair Grow on Scar Tissue?

Yes, hair can grow on scar tissue, but it requires specialised hair transplant techniques to overcome the unique challenges of scarring. A successful hair transplant to cover a scalp scar depends on the type of scar, its size and location, and how much healthy donor hair there is. But, with the right approach, even scarred areas can support healthy, natural-looking hair growth!

You can restore hair on scalp scars! Advanced Micro FUE and DHI techniques from Australia’s only fully doctor-led clinic offer the expertise and technology to grow hair on scarred areas. Ask about our affordable payment plans starting at $35/week.

Advanced Techniques for Hair Transplants on Scars

So, how can we tackle the challenge of scalp scars and regrow hair in the most natural way and with the best possible coverage?

1. Micro FUE Hair Transplant

   Micro FUE is a minimally invasive hair transplantation technique where individual hair follicles are extracted from a donor area and transplanted into scar tissue. This method allows for precise placement, ensuring maximum graft survival and a natural appearance.

2. DHI Hair Transplant

   DHI (Direct Hair Implantation) uses a specialised tool to directly implant hair follicles into the scarred area. This hair transplant procedure offers superior control over the depth, angle, and direction of each follicle, making it ideal for delicate scarred regions.

3. Complementary Non-Surgical Treatments

   Treatments like Exosome Therapy, Growth Factor Therapy, and our exclusive Hair Growth Protocol enhance the scalp’s condition, stimulate healing and hair regrowth, and improve the success of hair transplants on scar tissue.

Why Hair Transplants Are Effective on Scars

Hair transplant procedures for scars are successful because they bypass the need for existing hair follicles by introducing healthy ones into the area. Advanced hair transplant techniques like Micro FUE and DHI ensure the implanted follicles receive sufficient blood supply to grow and thrive, even in scarred tissue.

The Science of Hair Transplantation on Scar Tissue

A hair transplant on scar tissue needs a very precise and science-driven approach to overcome the challenges of regrowing hair on scars. Scar tissue is thicker, has less blood flow, and is far less elastic healthy skin, making precise planning and advanced techniques essential for success. Here’s how our experienced hair transplant team addresses these challenges to deliver the best possible results:

1. Preparing the Scarred Area

   Before hair transplantation begins, the scar tissue is carefully assessed and prepared to ensure the best possible environment for hair growth. Techniques to improve blood flow and soften the tissue are often used, such as microneedling or topical solutions designed to stimulate the development of new blood vessels and increase blood flow through the tissue. These steps improve the scalp’s ability to support the transplanted hair follicles, increasing the chances of hair graft survival.

2. Graft Selection

   Selecting the right donor hair follicles is critical for transplant success, especially in scarred areas. Hair Doctors use advanced AI-driven scalp analysis to identify the densest and healthiest donor regions. After applying a local anaesthetic to ensure minimal discomfort, these robust hair follicles are carefully extracted using 0.75mm tools, the smallest in the country, to ensure they have the best chance of survival in the scar tissue. The selected hair grafts are then carefully preserved using an advanced ATP solution to maintain their integrity and vitality during the hair transplant procedure.

3. Precision Implantation

   The process of implantation is where science meets artistry. Each hair follicle is implanted in the scarred and bald areas with careful attention to depth, angle, and direction, ensuring it blends seamlessly with the surrounding hair. For scar tissue, this precision is even more critical, as the lack of natural elasticity requires extra care to avoid damaging the grafts or surrounding tissue. Techniques like DHI (Direct Hair Implantation), which allow for direct placement using specialised tools, provide enhanced control and accuracy for achieving natural-looking results. We also use a hypothermosol holding solution imported from the USA to hold grafts securely in place.

4. Post-Procedure Care

   Post-procedure care is vital to the success of a hair transplant on scar tissue. At Hair Doctors, patients receive a comprehensive aftercare plan that includes treatments like PRF treatments, Exosome Therapy and Growth Factor Therapy. These advanced, non-invasive treatments accelerate healing, improve scalp health, and stimulate new growth by delivering powerful regenerative molecules and growth factors directly to the transplanted area. We also offer regular all-inclusive follow ups at day 3 and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after your hair transplant to support your healing.

This multi-faceted approach ensures the best possible results, highest hair density, and promotes the long-term health of both the scalp and transplanted follicles.

Restore Your Hair with Expert Care at Hair Doctors

Hair transplantation on scar tissue requires advanced expertise, cutting-edge technology, and a patient-centred approach—and Hair Doctors excels in every aspect. As Australia’s top-rated hair restoration clinic, we offer fully doctor-led procedures, state-of-the-art facilities, and evidence-based solutions for outstanding results. Our compassionate team tailors every treatment to your unique needs, ensuring natural and lasting outcomes. With flexible payment plans and clinics in Sydney and Melbourne, restoring your hair has never been more accessible.

Book your hair loss consultation today at our Sydney clinic or Melbourne clinic and find out how we can assist you – and why we’re the highest-rated hair transplant clinic!

FAQs

Can hair grow on scars naturally?

Hair doesn’t grow naturally on scars because scar tissue lacks blood supply to the hair follicles, which is necessary for hair growth. However, advanced hair transplant techniques like Micro FUE and DHI allow new hair follicles to be implanted into scarred areas, enabling natural growth. At our doctor-led hair transplant clinic, we specialise in these hair transplant procedures, with our talented doctors and teams tailoring each treatment to your needs. Book a hair transplant consultation at our Sydney or Melbourne clinic to learn how we can restore hair to scarred areas.

Are hair transplants on scars permanent?

Yes, a hair transplant on scars is a permanent solution! Once implanted, the transplanted hairs integrate with the surrounding skin and existing hair and grow naturally like regular hair. At Hair Doctors, our experienced team uses the most advanced techniques to ensure successful results and the thickest new hair growth, including the micro FUE procedure and DHI hair transplantation. With our top-rated clinics in Sydney and Melbourne and payment plans starting from $35/week, we make achieving long-lasting hair restoration accessible. Contact us today and book a hair loss consultation and take the first step toward regaining your hair.

How much does a hair transplant on scar tissue cost?

At Hair Doctors, a hair transplant will start at $6,999 for up to 2,000 grafts for doctor-supervised nurse-performed cosmetic procedures or $13,999 for a fully doctor-led procedure. We also offer affordable payment plans starting from $35/week, making advanced treatments accessible. With state-of-the-art hair transplant technology and expert care, we provide Australia’s best hair restoration services – see photos here. Schedule a consultation at our Sydney or Melbourne clinics to discuss your options and create a personalised plan.

What is Micro FUE, and is it suitable for scars?

Micro FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) is a minimally invasive hair transplant technique that involves extracting and transplanting individual hair follicles. It’s particularly effective for scarred areas, ensuring precise placement for natural results. At Hair Doctors, our expert team uses cutting-edge tools to maximise graft survival rates. With clinics in Sydney and Melbourne, we offer tailored solutions for scar hair restoration. Book your consultation today to explore how Micro FUE can work for you.

Can I combine hair transplants with other treatments?

Yes, combining hair transplants with non-surgical treatments like Platelet-Rich Fibrin treatments, exosome treatments, Growth Factor treatments, or our exclusive Hair Growth Protocol can enhance results. These complementary therapies improve scalp health, boost follicle survival, and speed up recovery. At Hair Doctors, we create customised treatment plans to deliver the best outcomes. With flexible payment options and Australia’s leading clinics in Sydney and Melbourne, we make advanced hair restoration accessible. Contact us to discuss your tailored plan.

How successful are hair transplants on scar tissue?

Hair transplants on scar tissue are highly successful when performed by experienced professionals. At Hair Doctors, our team uses advanced techniques like Micro Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) and Direct Hair Implantation (DHI), combined with cutting-edge technology, to ensure optimal graft survival, the highest density, and natural-looking results. We also offer complementary treatments to enhance outcomes. Take a look at our hair transplant before and after photos to see for yourself! With clinics in Sydney and Melbourne and flexible financing options, we’re dedicated to making hair restoration accessible and effective. Book a consultation to see how we can help.