Could My Scalp Reductions Be Preventing Transplanted Hair From Growing?

I’ve previously had scalp reductions and a flap hairline performed in the early 1990’s.

I recently in Feb 2010 had a 2000 hair (not graft) procedure performed by the same doctor who was responsible for the scalp reductions and flap hairline in the 90’s to address the lack of hair behind the flap which looked strange. It is now 12 months since the procedure and it appears only half of my hair in the triangular area behind the flap has grown, it is very patchy and is more scalp than hair. Could the fact that the previous scarring from the scalp reduction and flap hairline be causing this skin zone to not grow transplanted hair properly?

The funny thing is that several of the hairs transplanted into the actual scars have grown quite well and show thick well developed hair shafts. But as mentioned before the triangular shape of bald scalp behind the flap is completely surrounded (an island of forelock scalp) by scarring from the old surgery. Could this zone be of limited blood supply due to these scars or does the scalp still get enough blood supply anyway? Also could 12 months be too soon for me? The island of scalp behind the flap hairline has sensation although somewhat reduced sensation but the skin goes white than straight back to pink when pressed. I have compared my post op photos with my current photos and it appears that only half of the hair has grown. I can email a couple of photos if you wish, I have not been back to the doctor since my 1 week post op check up (for personal reasons). it was about 1000 grafts I think. I will get back to him when I feel ok about it, thanks

Prior scalp reductions are not a reason why a hair transplant surgery would not work. Many patients that had scalp reductions in the 1980s and early 90s followed them up with hair transplantation with relative success (growth was fine, but they were the pluggy look from back then).

I think the best thing for you is to follow up with your doctor when you are ready. Maybe you took pre-operative photos, but your doctor should have one (or more) as well and it may be useful to compare what you have now and what you had then. There are many factors that can be the cause of a hair transplant failure and that is why you need to see your doctor for a better understanding.