Tissue Expansion to Repair Alopecia After Ringworm Resulted in Infection

My 13 year old son underwent tissue expansion in 2003 for an area of alopecia following an attack of ringworm. He developed an infection an underwent scalp reconstruction. The scar stretched and he underwent scar reconstruction again. Yet again the scar stretched. He has refused any further expansion. The scar is very wide 1inch wide running from ear to ear across his head. Please can u help

I have seen similar patients who have had scalp reconstruction and were left with bad scars. It is not really possible for me to assess what was done from you brief narrative, but when scars become stable, hair transplantation works well to cover many of these scars. Bad scarring occurs in accident, in neurosurgery cases, and associated with different types of scalp surgery. We are presently writing a paper on the treatment of such scars.

As much as you would like to help your son, your son is also the main participant in the matter. While I sympathize with your need to address your son’s scar, it seems your son does not want any more intervention. Nevertheless if you are exploring all the options, you should seek second opinions on flap surgery and see doctors that are also experts in hair transplantation. A next step might be to send your son’s picture or make an appointment to see me if you would like your son to have a formal consultation. Remember, he is 13 years old, and at 13 he has other priorities which may interfere with sound logic.