When a patient goes in for a hair replacement procedure the expectation is natural looking results. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. When hair restoration of substandard quality occurs, reparative procedures can be performed to correct the situation.Improving a "Pluggy" LookA common result from hair restoration performed with outdated techniques is a "pluggy" look, similar to that of doll's hair, due to the use of grafts that are too large. One reparative treatment to correct these initial hair restoration missteps would be to remove the grafts and dissect down, known as FUE plug punch removal. The grafts are then replanted in a more aesthetically pleasing pattern. Sometimes an FUE plug punch reduction can be used instead to simply reduce the size of some of the grafts, rather than completely removing them. The portions that are removed can be replanted in another area. Grafting additional hair can be another very effective way to achieve the desired effect.Minimizing Wide ScarsReparative procedures may also need to be used to repair widened or visible donor site scars. One technique is to excise the scar and then close the site. In the event the scalp is too tight to allow for the removal of the entire scar, tissue expansion may be required. A second method is to place additional grafts into the scar area. Although scar tissue supports a lower percentage of hair re-growth, as much as 80% can be achieved with the right techniques. In as little as one or two procedures a considerable difference can be seen.When thickened scar tissue builds up along the hairline, in the area of prior placed plug grafts, and creates a ridge, the endoscopic ridge reduction technique can be utilized. This ridging occurs in the deeper levels of the scalp and can be the result of poor healing from placing grafts that are too large or removal of these grafts through individual punch techniques. Several small incisions are required to remove the scar tissue causing it. Although many surgeons will not perform this procedure, it can produce great results when executed by a hair restoration specialist, especially one with a strong plastic surgery background.Another method to remove scar tissue requiring the expertise of a highly experienced specialist is surgical hairline excision. Surgical hairline excision involves the entire or partial removal of the frontal hairline. A portion as wide as 4cm may be removed which will include any unaesthetic grafts and scarred skin. A closure is then created with plastic surgery suturing. Both this technique and the endoscopic ridge reduction take under 2 hours to complete. Patients are typically comfortable enough to go out within 2 to 3 days. At 1 week the sutures may be removed and normal activity can resume.Patients who are facing the results of prior procedures that are inferior or out of date can feel comfort in knowing there are several reparative methods out there.
