Scalp Laxity and Strip Scar

[cooty]

As my scalp was very tight I've been doing scalp laxity exercises making it much more lax as I understand this will potentially enable more grafts to be taken in strip surgery. I've been reading on the forum about problems some people sadly have with strip scars and so would like to ask;-

Does the scalp go back to its normal properties after the transplant and laxity exercises have stopped (back to being tight)?, and by making the scalp laxer could taking a larger strip cause the scar to stretch so it becomes more noticeable?

 

[Philw]

Dont have strip scar surgery
It always stretches over time
Trust me ive had 2 and always been told b a pencil thin scar
No chance
Fue only

 

[cooty]

Thanks for your reply Phil but unfortunately FUE won't give me the quantity of grafts required, and even with FUT its a stretch (pardon the pun!), and hence doing the scalp laxity exercises to try and increase the amount of grafts that we can get.

So I'm really keen to hear people's thoughts on whether the scalp goes back to its normal properties after the FUT transplant (back to being tight)?, and by making the scalp laxer could taking a larger strip cause the scar to stretch so it becomes more noticeable?

 

[Philw]

Hi mate strip scars are hit and miss
If u want ur hair short at back ie number 1 2 or 3 u will see scar if u keep longer at back u should be ok
Doing the excise u are talking about makes no difference in my opinion
I did it all as well and my scars stretched over the yrs

 

[NZK Medical]

As my scalp was very tight I've been doing scalp laxity exercises making it much more lax as I understand this will potentially enable more grafts to be taken in strip surgery. I've been reading on the forum about problems some people sadly have with strip scars and so would like to ask;-

Does the scalp go back to its normal properties after the transplant and laxity exercises have stopped (back to being tight)?, and by making the scalp laxer could taking a larger strip cause the scar to stretch so it becomes more noticeable?

Hi cooty, people are different and this will reflect in healing, laxity etc. As a result, it would be worth visiting a potential FUT clinic and get an idea of laxity, whether exercise would help. As well, judge the number of grafts required against the size of the strip that could safely be taken. If you have any relatively significant wounds/scars on your body in areas that flex, knees, elbow etc it would give an indication as to scar healing. Surgical technique applied by the Dr also has a large an important part to play. It can take time to heal well and this can also mean refraining from certain lifting positions and applying any undue pressure on that area. To ensure the best healing and avoid stretching the scar line. But, overtime laxity returns to a state you do not feel a difference. Hope that helps.

 

[cooty]

Thank you for your advice on this NZK Medical, very good of you.

 

[Bigmac]

There is no guarantee a scar will not stretch but choosing a decent doctor will reduce the risk. There`s a few scalp laxity exercise videos on YouTube which will give you some idea about your own laxity but having it checked by a doctor is advisable if possible.
Your Donor area will return to normal providing everything is done correctly.
You can see my FUT scars here. FUT Scars

 

[Eugenix Hair Sciences]

With the development in the techniques and instrumentation, it is possible to extract more number of grafts from the scalp and the beard donor areas even with the FUE technique. Please share some pictures and we could tell you how much can be extracted in your particular case.

 

[cooty]

Many thanks for your replies -
Big Mac; its greatly comforting to get your comments and that in relation to my enquiry that the donor area will return to normal providing everything is done correctly........ I have chosen a clinic that by their videos appear to do very fine pencil thin scars and they have a good reputation so I'm hopeful that all will be well.
It was most helpful to see your scars via the link provided and agree with the comments on it that yours look great considering everything you've been through, and you've got really good hair coverage too.

Eugenix - much appreciate your offer as getting to find out what was possible to extract (not just number of grafts but also follicular grouping etc.) was a problematic area, however I have now had my transplant.

 

[Guest!]

With the development in the techniques and instrumentation, it is possible to extract more number of grafts from the scalp and the beard donor areas even with the FUE technique.

Do you have any studies to support this? Ive seen one by Shapiro that confirmed you can get 3k more grafts by doing FUT first, and an interview with H&W Doug suggesting you can get at least 2k more grafts. I've never seen a study or heard anyone claim that a patient can get more grafts via FUE alone before.

Best of luck Cooty!

 

[NZK Medical]

You need to have a basic agreement on certain aspects. The hair loss stage and hair characteristics of the patient. For instance, how many grafts can safely be removed via each technique? FUT, the strip length and width and with FUE the % of grafts that can safely be removed. These can be debated as aggressive and conservative with pros and cons. Then the technique and competence of the Dr in harvesting the grafts, regardless of the method.

FUT largely has been sidelined. The scarring is being exploited by some wanting to push FUE. As if FUE does not scar. When the reality is with even a little research. It´s possible to find the best and worse examples of scarring from both techniques. The irony is that if both are performed well. After a relatively modest number of grafts are harvested. FUE will produce more scarring. It´s simply spread. But on almost everyone, if shaved down it would be very obvious.

The competence of the Doctor comes into play. Especially with the strip removal and the suture. Having the surgical skill to stretch the skin evenly to reduce any pressure on the closure. Adjusting the strip width to maximise the graft count but ensuring the suture closes with minimal laxity changes long-term. FUE requires different skills as the punch aspect is blind. With a different need on spreading the extraction to minimise over-harvesting any area.

You have to take into consideration the hair loss pattern is at the time of starting restoration. A higher NW, say NW4 is going to lend itself to requiring 3-4000 grafts. This could be removed with one strip without effectively changing the hair density. That same number with FUE is going to reduce the hair density by 20-25% around the donor. Further loss or refining areas could require a further 2-2500 grafts. Assuming healing allows as with all other aspects as average. This could still be removed with another strip. Englobing the old scar line, as a result still leaving the one linear scar. If slightly tight, the number could be 2000, and the remaining harvested via FUE. FUE could then be used to address any further hair restoration, With maybe 2500-3000 + grafts still available. Especially with careful planning and maybe not trying to extract all at the same time. Better to spread over a number of procedures. Even another small strip is still potentially possible.

It is going to be hard to have a definitive study. But the reality is both techniques have a place in hair restoration and can complement each other for the benefit of the hair loss sufferer.

Best wishes for your result

 

[Bigmac]

however I have now had my transplant.

All the best for a great result.