Scar Revision

So, what is a scar revision?

A scar revision is a procedure that helps to reduce the appearance of scars and improves the look of the scar and surrounding areas. It can enhance the look of unsightly scars made to the skin or scalp which typically result from FUT hair transplant procedures, accidents, previous surgeries, and injuries. One of the most common methods in hair transplant scar revision is to cut the scar tissue out and close it back together, but this time in a way that will make the scar thinner and improve its appearance.

In my 23 years in this field, I can tell you that it is not uncommon for those who had hair transplant surgery many years ago, before FUE, to have been left with a cosmetically unappealing scar. And it is quite common for those with this type of scar to want to improve its appearance. While it may not be possible to completely eliminate the visibility of the scar, a skilled and experienced hair transplant doctor CAN bring major improvement to it.

There are several different ways in which a hair transplant scar can be improved, but the extent of the improvement depends on a few different factors. The exact location of the scar and the laxity, or flexibility of the scalp are two of the most important factors when considering a scar revision. A scar with a poor placement can make it difficult for the doctor to repair it, and in some cases even make it unrealistic to attempt. While a variety of factors will affect the outcome of the scar revision, the skill of the doctor might be the most important factor of them all.

One of the most common methods in hair transplant scar revision is to remove the scar tissue and close it back together, but this time in a way that will make the scar thinner and improve its appearance. With newer scar closure methods, such as the trichophytic closure which can make hair grow through the scar, there is a high chance that the scar will be improved. While the method of opening and re-closing the scar might seem like an easy and straightforward solution, it can be unreliable for a number of reasons. The skin surrounding the scar has been stretched and pulled ever since the first surgery and might have lost some of its elasticity. In some people this resulted in a widening of the scar, and there is a small risk the skin will keep this characteristic even after a scar revision surgery. Dr Kelemen has developed her own technic that allows her to soften the skin which in turn allows it

Another scar revision technique involves using the FUE (Follicular Unit Excision) method. With this method hair follicles are extracted from the patient’s scalp where they have healthy donor area and inserted directly into the scar, in an effort to “camouflage” it and make it less visible. Using this method is usually a great way of improving the appearance of the scar. But only, after checking to make sure that the scar has enough blood flow to sustain the newly transplanted hairs….something a lot of other doctors fail to check!

A third, but much less recommendable, option would be to tattoo, aka SMP, the scar in a color that matches the surrounding hair, however, it is hard to find an artist that can match the color of your hair since most use the color black and they either lighten it or darken it. This method will not look as cosmetically appealing as minimizing the scar or filling it with hair, but a good choice as a last resort. Dr. Kelemen uses the whole color spectrum to match the existing hair……….yes, Dr. Kelemen can do SMP! Why? Because you are not complete unless you can do all available procedures for your patients.

While none of these options will completely eliminate the scar, they can certainly improve its overall appearance and make it less visible.

Regardless of method, choosing a top hair transplant doctor like Dr. Kelemen to perform the scar revision is the key to success.

Why is she so good? Why is she better than the rest? Well, simple……I challenge you to find another doctor that used to do needle point, goblin or crochet from their teenage years! So, what do these have to do with scar revision? It trains the eye to hand coordination, patience, attention to detail and artistry! Yes, they are a rare breed! Little did Dr. Kelemen know that the passion for those will pay such high dividends for her patients!