Burn injuries, whether caused by chemical (acid/alkali), flame, scalds (including steam, hot water, and cooking oils), or electrical injury, can be localized to the head and neck region. Patients who have had burn damage to their scalp may lose their hair permanently or temporarily. The incident’s physical and psychological stress might be rather overpowering. The hair may or may not grow back, depending on the degree and size of the burn. If the hair loss is permanent, surgical intervention may be necessary.
Hair transplant surgery is used not just by androgenetic alopecia patients but also by individuals who have burned skin. As a result, one can get hair transplant surgery to cover up the burned regions on their scalp. However, there are differences based on the extent and severity of the injury. The recuperation period might vary, and the success rate of the procedure is also affected by a variety of circumstances.
This article is drafted to make users aware of these factors. To help burn victims seeking hair transplant surgery, the insights are taken from expert skin and hair specialist Dr. Nivedita Dadu, renowned doctor for Hair Transplant Treatment in Delhi.
What Are The Types of Burn Depending on Skin Layers?
- A superficial burn occurs when the skin’s outermost layer is burned. While it does not blister, it causes the skin to become uncomfortable, puffy, dry, and red.
- A superficial dermal burn occurs when the epidermis and upper layer of the dermis are burned. In this situation, blisters may or may not emerge. The skin may seem pink or red. It’s excruciatingly painful.
- A deep dermal burn occurs when all of the epidermis and dermis are destroyed. All layers of the skin are injured in the case of a third-degree or full-thickness burn. It may also cause nerve injury, resulting in a lack of sensation in that area. It can also have an impact on the surrounding muscles and bones. The skin’s texture and color will also alter.
The hair transplant procedure results will differ depending on the severity of the burn.
Why Does Hair Not Grow on Burned Skin?
Depending on the severity of the burn, the skin may or may not develop a scar. Tissue damage develops in the area if the burn is deep. It also causes hair root damage. As a result, hair growth will cease. One should consult a doctor to determine whether your hair loss is temporary or permanent.
The doctor will examine the skin to determine the degree of the burn. Permanent hair loss is not necessarily the result of a burn. If the hair is burned or charred, it will almost certainly regenerate. Moreover, normal hair growth can be expected once the skin has healed. However, if it is too long and the hair has not grown, one should seek expert assistance immediately.
If the burn is extremely deep, the damage to the hair follicles may permanently ruin the hair roots. Scar tissue builds on the wounded skin, making fresh hair growth difficult. In this instance, the only way for a patient to restore hair growth is to undergo hair restoration surgery, i.e., a hair transplant surgery. Remember that surgery and follow-up may differ for patients with burned skin.
How Can a Hair Transplant Be Performed on Burned Skin?
Hair development cannot occur on charred skin due to the loss of hair roots. Hair transplant surgery, on the other hand, involves the surgeon inserting new roots into the bald, burned portions of the scalp. This will allow hair growth to begin in that area.
Hair transplant surgeries on burn victims have been completed successfully by expert doctors.
- Patients with burnt skin can achieve varied degrees of success based on their circumstances. One must have realistic expectations for the hair transplant results. Because of the tissue damage, the hair will not grow as it would on normal skin. Even if the burn is minimal, the patient should expect to get quite good outcomes.
- In severe circumstances, where the skin structure changes and becomes extremely thick, the patient may need more than one surgery to obtain enough hair density on their scalp. Such patients necessitate specialized aftercare. The hair transplant doctor will advise them on how to proceed.
What Is the Burnt Skin Hair Transplant Procedure?
- First and foremost, the doctor will inspect the scalp completely. Furthermore, depending on the degree of the burn, different parts of the scalp may require different surgical techniques.
- The surgeon will check the health of the donor area for this purpose. Its abundant availability is important for reaching a high density. It is also possible that the density of the hair will increase over time as a result of several procedures.
- Because so many factors are dependent on the patient’s particular circumstance, broad claims about recovery, the number of procedures, healing, and density, among other things, are difficult. The doctor can make an assessment based on a physical examination.
Note: The mental and physical toll of a burn injury can have a significant influence on a person’s self-esteem and confidence. Many people desire surgery right away, but it is important to give the skin time to heal. Inadequate healing will lead one to bleed while dislocating the newly implanted grafts. If the skin is still weak and mending, it is difficult for the grafts to take hold.
What is Post Care After Hair Transplant on a Burnt Scalp?
It is vital to take good care after a hair transplant for burn sufferers in order to speed up the recovery process. The hair specialist may provide one with the following aftercare instructions:
- Take pain relievers as needed to relieve pain and discomfort.
- Refrain from scratching the scalp. Although the region may be irritating, scratching can cause infection and prevent new hair from forming.
- For the first week, apply antibiotic cream on any scars twice a day. This cream will aid in the prevention of infection.
- A few days following surgery, wash the hair with a balanced shampoo. Shampooing will clean the scabs that have formed around the grafted hairs and remove dead skin.
- During the healing process, avoid exposing the scalp to the sun. If one must be outside in the sun, wear a hat.
- Stop smoking for at least a month following the surgery. If one smokes while recovering, it may disrupt blood flow to the hair follicles and inhibit fresh hair development.
Conclusion
Taking everything into account, one should not give up hope. On burned skin, hair transplant surgery is possible. The method and the ultimate results will differ from normal skin, yet one can attain satisfactory results. The density might vary depending on how serious the burn is, i.e., how many layers of skin are affected. One will also need to use considerable caution during the recovery process. Make certain that one follows all of the surgeon’s recommendations.
If one wants an evaluation or has any queries about hair transplant surgery on burnt skin, one can contact Dr. Nivedita Dadu, the Best Dermatologist in Delhi who is renowned for providing effective hair restoration procedures. With her expertise of more than 17 years, she has helped several patients achieve great hair transplant results. The expert team of surgeons uses the most advanced Direct FUE technique to achieve the desired results. To learn more, visit the expert at Dadu Medical Centre located in Delhi, having centers at Rajouri Garden (West Delhi) and Vasant Vihar (South Delhi).
To avail the benefits, pay a visit.