Hair transplant in scarring alopecia: Not all hair loss conditions are suitable for hair transplantation. Having a hair transplant without proper precautions for preexisting conditions can result in a failed hair transplant. To avoid this, optimal conditions must be met before a hair transplant can be discussed. This article will explain the optimal conditions for hair transplant, when a patient should not have a hair transplant due to certain types of alopecia, and what can be done.
Scarring Alopecias, Immune-System Based Alopecias & Hair Transplant
Patients with certain types of alopecia, such as alopecias caused by immune system disorders, should not have a hair transplant – until the said condition is treated for and thoroughly subdued.
Why Scarring Alopecia Must Be Treated & Subdued Before Hair Transplant
In patients with alopecia or hair loss from immune system disorders, the body automatically attacks hair follicles, leading to hair fall and hair loss.
Therefore, new hair follicles transplanted to the patient’s scalp or body will be attacked by the patient’s immune system and eventually perish, resulting in a failed hair transplant.
Is Hair Transplant Possible for Those With Scarring Alopecia?
Although having scarring alopecia or immune-system-based alopecia may complicate the hair transplant, it is still possible to have a successful hair transplant with little-to-no complications once the scarring alopecia is under control.
This can be done using a combination of treatments as discussed below.
Preparing Hair Transplant for Patients with Scarring Alopecia, or Immune-System-Based Alopecia
To ensure that the patient has no underlying conditions that may complicate or negate the hair transplant, it is recommended to visit a dermatologist.
Once you visit a dermatologist, the dermatologist will ensure that the following steps must be taken:
- Diagnose the patient to see if they have any conditions such as scarring alopecia that may complicate the hair transplant.
- Treat the condition if any condition exists that may complicate the hair transplant.
- Once the condition is controlled, hair transplant possibilities can be explored.
Once diagnosed, patients with previous hair loss or alopecia conditions, such as patterned baldness, LPP (Lichen Planopilaris), CCCA, FFA, or other conditions resulting in hair loss, will undergo treatment to minimize and reduce these conditions before undergoing hair transplant surgery.
Why It is Important to Diagnose Scarring Alopecia Before Hair Transplant
Prospective hair transplant patients may not even be aware that they have scarring alopecia.
As reported in this published medical journal, symptoms of LPP may be mistaken as androgenetic alopecia, genetic alopecia, or common hair loss [1].
If ignored or misdiagnosed, this can lead to a failed hair transplantation, so it is best to visit an experienced dermatologist and hair expert to diagnose the condition properly.
Once you have found your dermatologist, continue below to see different ways dermatologists diagnose scarring alopecia.
How Does a Dermatologist Diagnose Scarring Alopecia? CCCA, LPP, FFA & More
To diagnose whether or not a patient has conditions such as CCCA, LPP, FFA, or other types of scarring alopecia, a dermatologist will generally take a biopsy – a small sample of the patient’s tissue.
This tissue is then sent to a lab for analysis to determine whether or not the patient has a specific condition. This is a very accurate method of diagnosing scarring alopecia.
Another way to diagnose the patient for certain types of alopecia is using a trichoscopy. Using a specialized device, the dermatologist will look closely at the patient’s hair and scalp to see whether or not there are any signs of scarring alopecia.
Once the condition is diagnosed, and if scarring alopecia is present, it must be treated successfully to a certain extent before hair transplantation is even possible.
Possible Treatments for Scarring Alopecia
Scarring alopecia is known to cause permanent hair loss. Therefore treatment should be aggressive.
Scarring alopecias that mainly involve mostly lymphocyte inflammation of hair follicles such as Lichen Planopilaris (LPP) or pseudopelade are generally treated with:
- Corticosteroids (topical creams)
- Steroid injections into the scalp / affected area
- Antimalarial drugs
- Isotretinoin
For scarring alopecias with inflammation of mostly neutrophils or a mixture of other cells, treatment generally consists of:
- Antibiotics
- Isotretinoin
According to WebMD, there are also new experimental drugs that are currently being used, such as [2]:
- Methotrexate
- Tacrolimus
- Cyclosporin
- Thalidomide
These treatments generally last a patient’s lifetime as scarring alopecia is a chronic condition.
This can cause concern for certain patients as specific widely-used treatments, such as repeated steroid injections into multiple areas of the scalp, may be unwanted.
Furthermore, each treatment poses possible side effects that should be considered.
Although most dermatologists have used pharmaceutical drugs to help treat scarring alopecias, new methods, such as natural botanicals (plant-based products), are also available.
One such plant-based product is Dr.UGro Gashee Natural Hair Products, created by Dr. Umar and is currently being used in Dr. U Skin & Hair Clinic for some cases of scarring alopecia.
How Does Dr. U Skin & Hair Clinic Prepare LPP Patients for Hair Transplant?
Dr. U Skin & Hair Clinic offers a unique and personalized approach to hair transplants for scarring alopecia patients.
To help prepare patients for hair transplants, Dr. U Skin & Hair clinic utilizes Dr.UGro Gashee, an original and naturally-derived hair product invented by Dr. Sanusi Umar, MD.
In some instances, Dr. U Skin & Hair Clinic also uses Gashee post-hair transplant surgery to help improve patients’ hair transplant results.
This is done using the plant-based power of Gashee’s several holistic plant ingredients studied to improve hair health. When used post hair transplant, Gashee helps increase scalp and follicle health, retaining more follicles.
This can factor in the difference between a fantastic hair transplant result and a standard one.
Gashee – Featured in Newly Published Medical Journal in Terms of Scarring Alopecia
Furthermore, a recently published medical journal has studied and highlighted the use of Gashee for some instances of scarring alopecia such as LPP. The publication reported that Gashee reduced symptoms of LPP in all patients with a history of LPP.
It is important to note that these LPP patients were previously ineffectively treated using pharmaceutical drug-based medications.
Due to the excellent results of these non-drug approaches, Gashee warrants further study in its application for LPP and other scarring alopecia and is currently used by Dr. U Skin & Hair Clinic.
What is Gashee? Natural Botanical for Hair Health
Meaning “hair” in Hausa, Gashee is a proprietary blend of natural plants and extracts based on our ancestor’s ancient medicines and healing practices. Gashee is designed to help improve hair health.
Recently Gashee has been studied and reported as the first natural plant-based product to show a positive response toward LPP and CCCA, as reported in the journals linked below. These are significant types of scarring alopecia hair loss, currently known as hard-to-treat conditions leading to permanent hair loss.
Although plant-based doesn’t necessarily mean allergy or side-effect free, one of the advantages of using Gashee for scarring alopecia is that Gashee can be used as long as needed chronically, with a reduced side effect profile – for those who are not allergic nor possess a reaction to plant-based products.
This can be a significant point to consider for those who have previously relied on pharmaceutical-drug-based medical treatments for scarring alopecia – as a significant reason for the ineffectiveness of these drug-based treatments are their side effects profiles, which may pose unwanted side effects after prolonged use.
In summary, it is essential to consider these factors and discuss them with your dermatologist if you believe that a natural approach such as Gashee may be more beneficial for you and your goals.
VIDEO: First Botanical Reported by Peer-Reviewed Medical Study to Show Positive Response Towards LPP
Published Report, Lichen Planopilaris, LPP Responds to the Natural Hair Treatment Formula – Gashee
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Visit the YouTube video to see the before and after results of Dr.UGro Gashee Natural Hair Products as reported within the LPP study.
For more information on Dr.UGro Gashee Products, visit the Gashee website here:
Schedule a Free Consultation with Dr. Sanusi Umar, MD, FAAD
Suppose you worry that you might have LPP, other forms of scarring, general alopecia, or hair loss. Or perhaps you are in the process of figuring out whether or not you are qualified for a hair transplant.
As this published medical journal stated, a hair transplant may be viable for LPP [3] or other scarring alopecia, but certain conditions must be met.
In this case, it is best to consult a licensed and experienced dermatologist and hair expert to properly diagnose the condition and explore possible treatment options in line with your goals. Dr. U Skin & Hair clinic offers free consultations, which can be booked using the link below. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions and concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions – Preparing Scarring Alopecia Patients for Hair Transplant FAQ
Why is hair transplant challenging for scarring alopecia patients?
Hair transplant is particularly challenging for scarring alopecia patients because of degenerative changes and reduced vascularity due to scarred tissues around the scalp and follicle.
More so, scarring can affect the safe donor area of the scalp, possibly reducing the number of grafts available [4].
Why is it essential to diagnose scarring alopecia as soon as possible?
Scarring alopecia is an aggressive condition that can result in permanent hair loss.
Due to this, if you suspect you have scarring alopecia, it is best to visit a dermatologist as soon as possible to diagnose the condition and treat it if present.
Is hair transplantation the only way to significantly restore hair after severe scarring alopecia?
Hair transplantation is often the only way to restore hair to an area affected by scarring alopecia significantly.
Can you use the internet and highly-trusted medical websites to self-diagnose scarring alopecia?
Although plenty of information is available online regarding different types of alopecias, their symptoms, and signals, it is not recommended to self-diagnose anything.
Although you may be sure that what you have is a specific type of condition, it is always recommended to visit a licensed medical professional for a proper examination and diagnosis.
In the case of hair transplantation, a mistake in self-diagnosis for some instances of alopecia can lead to a failed hair transplant.
Further Reading
What is Lichen Planopilaris (LPP)?
What is Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA)?
Gashee Reported By Study as First Botanical to Show Positive Response toward LPP
References
- Baquerizo Nole, K., Nusbaum, B., Pinto, G. and Miteva, M., 2022. Lichen Planopilaris in the Androgenetic Alopecia Area: A Pitfall for Hair Transplantation.
- WebMD. 2022. Scarring Alopecia. [online] Available at: <https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/hair-loss/scarring-alopecia> [Accessed 20 July 2022].
- Ekelem, C., Pham, C. and Atanaskova Mesinkovska, N., 2022. A Systematic Review of the Outcome of Hair Transplantation in Primary Scarring Alopecia.
- Saxena K, Saxena DK, Savant SS. Successful hair transplant outcome in cicatricial lichen planus of the scalp by combining scalp and beard hair with platelet-rich plasma. Journal of cutaneous and aesthetic surgery. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4812894/#:~:text=Hair%20transplant%20in%20scarring%20alopecia,of%20grafts%20for%20appropriate%20coverage. Published 2016. Accessed July 20, 2022.
