Best Doctors For Scar Revision/Excision?

[masterdev]

Hi All,

 

I'm hoping to get some of your valuable advice here regarding next steps I ought to take.

 

Background:

In June 2013, I underwent 1 session of FUT with Dr. Diep - he transplanted a total of 4700 grafts during the session. I was 28 at the time (I'm currently 32). I am fairly happy with the results of the work in my frontal area / hairline - I cannot say the same for the scar I received, though. The explanation from Dr. Diep for the size of the scar was that it was due to insufficient laxity (I would have appreciated had this been taken into consideration during the surgery, and would have lived with a less visible scar and a less aggressive number of grafts extracted in my initial session).

 

I have been attempting to mask the scar over the last few years through a combination of combing my hair strategically + Topik - this process has definitely been a pain to manage on a daily basis.

 

During my follow up sessions with Dr. Diep (March 2014), he said he could use tricho closure to approximately half the current width, and possibly FUE additional grafts into my front, mid and crown area. The tricho closure itself would be free of charge, while I'd be charged for any grafts implanted. He estimated I would need ~4,000 more grafts to get to full coverage, and thought I had enough donor for this.

 

I've attached pictures of both my scar + more pics of my hair pattern so you can see my current density/volume. (For some reason, they keep getting attached upside down - sorry! Not sure how to change that).

 

My plan is to:

1) Undergo scar revision/excision in order to at least reduce the width of the scar (and pray I suppose that it will not stretch post operation). If there are any usable grafts that come out I'd love to have them implanted into the gaps in my frontal area and possibly crown.

 

2) Evaluate options for either a 2nd FUT session or an FUE session to add coverage.

 

While I could certainly choose to take Dr. Diep on his offer, I also want to evaluate other doctors to choose from - especially for the scar revision. While I don't doubt Dr. Diep's abilities regarding the art of transplantation, I believe it behooves me to at least get some advice on the top doctors noted for scar revision ability.

 

I have noted down Dr Hasson and Dr Ron Shapiro as 2 of the top doctors I'd probably consider for the revision piece. This thread in particular made me think Shapiro would be great for this kind of work: http://www.hairrestorationnetwork.com/eve/167235-dr-ron-shapiro-scar-revision-w-acell-wound-sheets-vitrase-6-months.html

 

I'd love to get some feedback from folks and experts here. Does my plan make sense? Are there any other specific doctors I should also evaluate for this procedure? Thank you in advance!!

Edited September 30, 2017 by masterdev

[Spanker]

Did he say what caused it to stretch so badly? Sorry to see that. That's one of the worst scares I've seen.

[masterdev]

His explanation was that it was mainly a lack of enough scalp laxity. Given that, a much less aggressive excision would have made a lot more sense to me.

 

The results I've seen from Dr. Konior are really impressive btw. If he has a good history of scar revision, would love to hear about it.

[Spanker]

This would be a case that I would recommend that you contact him directly through his email. He has a strong surgical background as a head and neck surgeon and facial plastics. That isn't something you want to be at scarring at, but at this point, the damage could be done and you would be looking at a percentage of improvement. For instance, 50 percent better and finish off with FUE. Idk what his plan would be so I would again say to contact direct. My personal opinion is that you won't be able to get a sure plan with out an in person visit no matter who you choose.

[Hairhope4ever]

Look into Dr. Sanusi Umar.

 

He utilized beard and chest hair to revise and fill my scar in, on top of performing a 6500FUE restoration repair procedure on me.

 

The man is a lifesaver.

 

Good luck!

 

 

About my hair loss journey:

 

 

Happy Patient's Blog

[Sean]

Why oh why. That scar is definitely something you should discuss with top docs. Get multiple consults from docs that have a strong background with scar reductions.

 

Try getting some consults with Dr Konior, even Dr Bisanga, Dr Lindsey, Dr Wong, to start off.

 

It’s great to get multiple opinions.

[masterdev]

Thanks guys! I took a look as per the advice here at some of the revision results from Bisanga and Lindsey - very impressive.

 

Any other doctors that haven't been mentioned yet that I ought to consider? And regarding my 2 step plan - any feedback? Does that at least sound like the right way to go about this? I've been putting off the scar revision, but I want to at least make some firm plans to get it done within the next 6 months.

 

Also - if anyone here can speak to having undergone a successful scar revision previously (with the scar not stretching after), would love to hear about it.

 

Thanks for all your help!

[Ernie]

Sorry to see this. If I were in your exact situation, I'd definitely undergo a scar revision. Then 2+ years later, perhaps FUE into new scar (if needed, and if enough grafts in the bank)

[Speegs]

Both Konior and Gabel are trained as head and neck plastic surgeons. I'd reach out to one of those two, if not both.