Non Scarring FUE - myth

[Understanding Hair]

While it should be obvious, and unequivocal that any surgical procedure, including hair transplants, including FUE, will cause scarring. There are way too many hair clinic web pages still suggesting, using wordplay, or simply stating that their version of FUE does not scar. Even after all the documented cases of FUE scarring online. Regardless of what a clinic likes to call their FUE hair transplant; they all leave scarring across the donor area. There are no such things as a non-scarring hair transplant.

Clinics prey on the poorly educated in hair restoration or those who simply want to believe it´s true. Using wordplay is arguably the most defenceless, and if called out, the reply is a plain misunderstanding by the consumer about what they mean. On the other hand, stating FUE leaves no scars is a blatant lie. Probably the most common wordplay rebuttal is comparing FUE to the FUT technique but not limited to. A Google search for “FUE no scarring”, two clinic websites, on the first page of Google –


“… the Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) method to give natural looking results with minimal downtime, no linear scaring and no stitches.”

“FUE is an advanced scarless hair transplant technique that effectively conceals any signs of the procedure, ...”

Compared to FUT is a classic diversion, all the bad press FUT received, especially from “FUE only” clinics in the past, “scar-mongering”. Of course, it´s true FUE does not leave a linear scar; however, they never go on to mention FUE leaves small white dot scars. That would defeat the object to leave in the mind of the consumer, the idea of no scars = FUE. Using the no linear scar line was maybe acceptable ten, fifteen years ago, even if misplaced. However today, with the abundance and domination of FUE only clinics it´s a distraction. Even FUT/FUE clinics often suggest FUE over FUT due to its unpopularity. Using the FUT linear scar is an obvious deflection from the truth of mentioning FUE scarring.

FUE, the cylindrical surgical punch varies in diameter and design, sharp or dull, manual to motorised. Regardless, the result is a small round wound being made. The punching of the follicular units from the donor should be performed by the doctor, however, it´s not uncommon for medically untrained “hair technicians” to perform the punching.

As with any open wound, the healing begins immediately as the wound healing properties in the blood create a scab over the wound. While many find by a couple of weeks there is little to see around the donor, complete healing and fading of the scars can take several months to a year. Depending on skin characteristics, overall health and medications being taken, as well as following the post-op care instructions. Other considerations can be the size of the procedure and using an educated harvesting pattern, which are commonly reflected in the competence and standards of the doctor. While white dot donor scarring is an unfortunate effect of having FUE it can be visually minimised. With care and the right protocols, even with a very short hair style there can be no obvious pattern of loss or scarring, however, when clean shaved it will be obvious. Also, with all the best intentions and skill, some skin types are simply more prone to more visible scarring.

A person´s choice of clinic should be their own and made with a full understanding of the facts. Putting your trust in a clinic, and especially a doctor that is willing to state or deflect about FUE scarring, leaves you open to countless other lapses in judgement, standards and ability to perform a good hair transplant.

 

[josh145]

Thanks for sharing.

 

[Bigmac]

For some people the scarring is difficult to see when shaved down but for most it will be visible.

 

[Understanding Hair]

There are clinics that blatantly lie about FUE scarring and then those that play word games and trivialise the scarring, using phrases or words to make it seem it´s "virtually" non-existent. I posted the same article/post on another site, and a doctor commented -

"They should instead say "virtually invisible scar", that would be the most appropriate."

This doctor´s profile read - "European Board plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon with over 10 years of experience as consultant."

I replied stating -

"Or, without using suggestive adjectives or adverbs, just a simple statement "FUE leaves white dot scarring, how obvious can depend on how well the FUE was performed, the natural skin healing characteristics, and following the post-op clinic instructions."

The consumer can handle the truth. The need for a clinic or doctor to embellish the wording to minimise FUE scarring is deliberately misleading, it´s not written this way by accident. For the average consumer, this leads them to believe there’s little to no chance of any visible scarring. Where over, the reality is when they decide to have their hair short or shaved around the sides and back or when it´s time for another FUE and they catch their shaved donor in the mirror they realise the hundreds if not thousands of white dots scattered around the their head.

The need to lie or embellish exhibits character flaws in the way a clinic is run. The falsehood will be realised at some point, often the unwillingness of the consumer to go public protects the clinic from adverse publicity. It´s important to research factors such as this, if they are willing to lie or embellish over this, what else would they be willing to, cut corners, poorly skilled/trained staff, cheap instruments, the possible list goes on.

 

[josh145]

I have read no visible scars on several websites.

 

[Understanding Hair]

I have read no visible scars on several websites.

Hi @josh145 , if you sat and went through clinic websites for a day it would shock you how many either say it outright or in some way insinuate it. It only takes a few bad apples to start with, not long they corrupt the bowl and before you know it there are more clinics that make the claims than there are that stick to principled hair restoration and simply be upfront with the public.

 

[MaxMidlander]

I have read some adverts say new no scarring procedure…

 

[Kevboy]

Today there was a guy standing in front of me in the Tesco checkout line, his head resembled a golf ball with all the white dot scars that were identity. I wanted to ask him about the scars but thought it best not to.

 

[philwhitehousetelford]

The truth is if u have any strip scar surgery u cannot cut short ie no 1 2 3 guard prob get away with 4 guard,with fue even if u go bad surgeon u can get away with no 1 guard
Never never have strip scar surgery please guys it will ruin u if u want short back a d sides

 

[Understanding Hair]

While it´s possible to find bad examples of everything and either technique when performed poorly will create big issues. A good strip linear scar that was closed using a form of Trichophytic closure can allow for short hair, maybe a slight kink in hair direction. A good FUE will spread the harvesting pattern, cap the numbers of graft per procedure, to help growth but also long term healing. Skin and hair characteristics playing a big part, healing is key but any scar is going to be slightly different complexion from the surrounding non-scarred tissue.

With FUE the more removed in a confined space will leave a peppered effect as well as a massive loss of hair density. As Kevboy said, making it obvious. The traditional Strip surgery, while not in vogue, left what would be considered a "normal" scar shape, with possible excuses given, while loads of neat white dots is not a naturally occurring scar formation. There are limitations to any hair transplant, pros and cons to each technique, all should be considered during the research process, ask to see real examples to get an idea what you can expect from a doctor performing the procedure, and never believe there is a miracle non scarring surgical procedure.