Based on the provided reference, hair transplant is specifically not recommended for patients with active cicatricial alopecia.
Why Hair Transplant May Not Be Suitable in Certain Cases
Hair transplantation is a common procedure for restoring hair growth in areas of thinning or baldness. However, its success depends heavily on the underlying cause of hair loss and the condition of the scalp. Not all types of hair loss are suitable for transplantation.
One specific situation where hair transplantation is generally avoided, as highlighted by the reference, is in the presence of certain scalp conditions.
The Case Where Hair Transplant is Not Recommended
According to the provided information, active cicatricial alopecia is a condition where hair transplantation is not recommended.
Cicatricial alopecia, also known as scarring hair loss, is a group of inflammatory conditions that destroy the hair follicle and replace it with scar tissue, leading to permanent hair loss. When the condition is "active," it means the inflammation is still ongoing and causing damage.
Risks of Hair Transplant with Active Cicatricial Alopecia
Attempting a hair transplant when active cicatricial alopecia is present carries significant risks and limitations:
- High Risk of Failure: Graft survival rates are typically very low, often reported as less than 50%. The inflamed and scarred tissue in the recipient area is not conducive to successful graft take and growth.
- Exacerbation of the Condition: The trauma of the transplantation procedure itself can potentially worsen the underlying inflammatory process, leading to further scarring and hair loss in both the transplanted area and surrounding scalp.
For these reasons, it is crucial for the underlying scalp condition to be stable and the inflammation inactive before any consideration of hair restoration via transplantation. In cases of active scarring alopecia, focusing on treating the underlying inflammatory condition is the primary goal.
