Understanding Hair Transplant Scars: Types, Treatments, and Concealment Options

If you’re considering a hair transplant, you probably wouldn’t be too psyched if you make some positive changes to your appearance only to be left with noticeable scarring where hair loss used to be. But does a hair transplant leave a scar?

While it’s a cosmetic procedure, a hair transplant is surgery, so it makes sense that it will leave a scar. Here, we’ll cover how scarring varies depending on the type of hair transplant procedure and how to make scarring from a transplant less noticeable.

There are two types of hair transplant surgeries: follicular unit extraction (FUE) and follicular unit transplantation (FUT). The type of scarring you can expect from a hair transplant will depend on the procedure, so we’ll cover each below.

FUT Hair Transplant Scar

A FUT hair transplant is also known as the “strip method.” It involves a healthcare professional removing a strip of hair and skin from the back of the scalp, which is called the donor area.

The surgeon then removes the hair follicles from the strip and transplants them into areas of your scalp where the hair is thinning.

Generally, hairs transplanted using FUT have a higher survival rate than those transplanted using the FUE method. But we’re talking about hair transplant scarring here. FUT creates a more prominent linear scar on the back of the head, typically the length of the donor strip.

FUE Hair Transplant Scar

FUE hair transplant surgery is a newer technique in hair restoration surgery. Unlike FUT, which moves an entire strip, the FUE method entails extracting individual hair follicles — sometimes called singular follicular units — and moving them to areas of the scalp with thinning hair.

In this procedure, the surgeon makes small incisions, called “micro punches,” in your scalp to remove hair. These individual follicles can then be transplanted where needed.

But does FUE leave scars? Because the incisions are so small, there is usually minimal visible scarring — most scars are less than a millimeter and are typically hidden once hair grows in. However, scarring may be more noticeable in people with close-cropped hair.

For a deeper understanding of the two procedures, check out our comprehensive guide to hair transplants, which has information on cost, side effects, recovery, and more.

Keloid Scars

Whether you get the FUT procedure or FUE procedure, you may develop keloid scars. Keloid scars are red, firm, or shiny scar tissue that appears after an injury has healed.

They occur when scar tissue extends beyond the original incision, leading to a raised or rubbery appearance. It’s possible to get keloid scars after a hair transplant, but it’s a rare complication.

Black skin is more prone to keloid scarring.

Beyond scars from the procedure itself, other factors may contribute to scarring after a hair transplant.

Genetics

People with curly or coiled hair — which is determined by genetics — may sometimes see slightly larger scars after a hair transplant, particularly if they opt for FUE. This is because curly hair actually curls both above and below the scalp's surface. You can think of curly hair as the letter “J” and straighter hair as the letter “I.” Curly hair requires a wider incision to remove it all in one piece.

This is usually not a big deal, but it’s worth considering before a hair transplant.

Genetics may also play a role in how severely you scar. Keloid scarring, for example, has a known genetic component, and how your skin heals may also be a matter of genes.

Adhering to Aftercare

Following all post-treatment aftercare instructions is very important to help you see the best results after a hair transplant, including reduced scarring. Your surgeon will go over precisely what the best aftercare practices are.

Generally, you’ll have to keep your scalp clean and dry, avoid strenuous activity, protect your hair from the sun, and avoid smoking and excess alcohol while the site heals.

You may not completely eliminate scarring from a hair transplant, and certain scars, like keloids, are difficult to treat. But the good news is that there are ways to reduce or conceal hair transplant scars.

Hair Transplant Scar Removal

You can’t entirely remove scars from hair transplant surgeries, but some things can improve the appearance of scarring. Here are some of your options.

• Scar revision surgery. Scar revision surgery involves removing scar tissue and closing the incision with a trichophytic closure, which minimizes further scarring. Some people may also get FUE transplants into the scar tissue, although it doesn’t hold grafts as well as non-scarred skin does. Both of these procedures can be costly and are unlikely to be covered by insurance.

• Laser therapy. Lasers stimulate collagen production, which can reduce the appearance of scar tissue. However, the American Academy of Dermatology notes that laser therapy cannot completely eliminate scarring.

• Topical treatments. Creams or patches containing silicone may help reduce and flatten the appearance of scars. In some cases, cortisone injections may also be used to flatten raised scars.

• Microneedling. Microneedling involves using a derma roller with tiny needles to create small “micro-injuries” in the scalp. This can break down or fade scar tissue. As a bonus, some research shows that microneedling also helps with hair growth, especially when paired with minoxidil. In one study, participants who used a derma roller once a week and minoxidil twice daily saw thicker hair that lasted eight months after the study.

How to Conceal Hair Transplant Scars

It’s easier to conceal hair transplant scars than to get rid of them entirely. Here’s how to camouflage them so they are less noticeable.

• Grow your hair out. One of the easiest ways to conceal hair transplant scars is to grow your hair out — which you’d probably be excited to do after the surgery anyway. Longer hair makes the scars less visible.

• Scalp micropigmentation (SMP). Scalp micropigmentation is a cosmetic procedure that involves tattooing tiny dots of pigment onto the scalp to create the appearance of fuller hair. It can also conceal scars. Check out our post on the biggest scalp micropigmentation regrets to know what to avoid if you go this route.

As with most surgical procedures, scarring is inevitable in hair transplant surgery. However, there are some things you can do to make the scarring less prominent or noticeable.

• Understand your options. Your choice between FUT and FUE hair transplant methods will impact the type and visibility of scarring. FUT generally results in a more noticeable scar, while FUE tends to leave less visible scars.

• Individual factors matter. Factors such as skin type, hair texture, and individual healing tendencies can influence the appearance of scars. Those with curly hair or a tendency towards keloid scarring should discuss these concerns with their hair transplant surgeon.

• Scar management and concealment. While complete scar removal may be challenging, various treatments like laser therapy, topical treatments, and microneedling can improve the appearance of scars. Additionally, methods such as growing out hair and scalp micropigmentation can effectively conceal scars.

To learn more about hair transplants, check out our guides to hair transplant recovery and special considerations for Black hair transplants.