Post-Plastic Surgery Hair Restoration

Post-plastic surgery hair restoration is a collection of treatments that restore areas of hair loss after cosmetic surgery. After plastic surgery like facelifts, brow lifts, or even blepharoplasty, some patients experience hair loss, particularly near or in the hairline. Removing skin and tightening the remaining tissue leads to scarring. Sometimes, these scars impact the way the hair grows back. This can accumulate as isolated alopecia that requires hair restoration treatments. ⁽¹⁾

California Hair MD is the practice of America’s Only Triple Board Certified Hair Transplant Plastic Surgeon  Dr. Richard Chaffoo and board-certified dermatologist Dr. Susan Stuart. They combine their specific expertise to provide care for patients in Beverly Hills, Corona Del Mar, La Jolla, Newport Beach, and San Diego, CA. Dr. Stuart’s experience spans from skin rejuvenation to hair restoration for women. If you have noticed hair loss after receiving plastic surgery, she can help you get back on track. 

Contact us at (800) 373-4773 or fill out this online form to schedule a private consultation.

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What is Post-Plastic Surgery Hair Restoration?

A 2022 study found that there is a strong connection between the development of frontal alopecia in patients who have received facial rejuvenation surgeries. ⁽¹⁾ After a facelift, the skin at and around the incision site can develop hair loss. This can lead to a receding hairline near the temples or a lack of sideburns in post-plastic surgery patients. Scars behind the ears and along the hairline may be noticeable, limiting the ability to wear your hair up such as in a ponytail.

Though not a common occurrence, this condition can be frustrating and disappointing, especially after a facial rejuvenation procedure. This may be caused by excessive tension on the skin closure and even the raising and distortion of your existing hairline in some facelift techniques..  These scars can constrict healthy hair growth even after completely healing. ⁽²⁾

The encouraging news is that patients have many options when it comes to hair restoration. Dr. Chaffoo and Dr. Stuart have extensive experience in surgical and non-surgical hair restoration practices. For patients experiencing isolated alopecia after plastic surgery, she can recommend different types of treatment using dermatological knowledge. In combination with Dr. Chaffoo, California Hair MD provides a wealth of treatment options that are customizable and personalized. From PRP to hair transplantation, Dr. Stuart leads patients to the right path.

Hair Restoration for Women

As a board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Stuart has a deep understanding of skin conditions and the different ways in which hair loss manifests. She offers a number of non-surgical treatment options for hair loss after plastic surgery.

PRP

PRP, or platelet-rich plasma, is plasma with a high concentration of blood platelets. It is found in blood but must be extracted for direct use. This plasma contains growth hormones and cytokines (small proteins) that accelerate healing and promote cell regeneration. PRP is used in many fields of medicine and has recently shown great promise in hair restoration. ⁽³⁾ 

This treatment offers a minimally invasive option for patients who do not qualify for or seek a traditional hair transplant. During PRP, Dr. Stuart draws blood and spins it rapidly using centrifugation. This separates each element of the blood by weight and allows the PRP to be easily extracted with a syringe. She then injects it into the areas of the scalp that are experiencing hair loss. For post-plastic surgery patients, this may look like a higher concentration and focus of PRP along the hairline or in front of the ears. 

Low-Level Light Therapy 

Also known as LLL or photobiomodulation, low-level light therapy is a non-thermal method of light therapy that is typically used for wound healing. When applied to the scalp, this treatment can activate stem cell growth to increase signaling pathways in the skin. Though the exact mechanisms of the treatment are unknown, experts believe that the near-infrared light is absorbed by the hair follicles. There are multiple articles in peer reviewed medical journals now that demonstrate hair regrowth in many patients. This slows down their transition out of the anagen (growing) phase, encouraging maximum hair growth. ⁽⁴⁾

Many post-plastic surgery patients may choose non-surgical hair restoration for convenience and to avoid shaving sections of their hair. If a patient’s alopecia is extensive or they are looking for a more invasive approach, California Hair MD also offers hair transplantation. 

What is a FUE Hair Transplant?

Dr. Chaffoo specializes in FUE (follicular unit extraction) hair transplants. This procedure involves making micro-punches in the scalp to harvest healthy follicular units (FU) of hair to be transplanted. They are then carefully prepared and implanted into pre-punched incisions in the thinning areas. As these healthy hair follicles heal, new hair grows that is not affected by the alopecia. ⁽⁴⁾ This method is proven proficient in promoting hair growth for patients experiencing pattern balding and other forms of hair thinning. California Hair MD offers the latest technologies in hair transplantation including NeoGraft and ARTAS systems.

Benefits of Post-Plastic Surgery Hair Restoration

If you are experiencing thinning along your hairline or by your ears after plastic surgery, hair restoration is extremely beneficial.

Hair transplantation can provide you with:

Hair loss can also be caused by stress. If your thinning hairline is causing distress, undergoing hair restoration can provide much needed mental and physical relief. Decreasing your stress levels is proven to promote better internal health, and restoring areas of hair loss can only add to your improved look.

Ideal Candidates

If you have unexplainable hair loss around the front of the head after facial plastic surgery, you may be a good candidate for hair restoration. If you are receiving a hair transplant, you must have thick and healthy hair on the back or sides of your head that can be safely harvested. You must be in good overall health and completely healed from prior surgery. If applicable, please quit smoking at least 1 week before your hair transplant to avoid healing issues. Please inform Dr. Stuart or Dr. Chaffoo of any current medical conditions that could impact your ability to heal. 

If your alopecia is not a symptom of receiving plastic surgery or facial rejuvenation, you may still qualify for hair restoration treatment. If you are curious about other candidate qualifications, please read the California Hair MD blog for more information.

Personal Consultation with Dr. Chaffoo

Your first appointment at California Hair MD will be a private consultation. Your doctor will ask you about your experience with hair loss and history of plastic surgery. Your answers will help to determine your candidacy and lead to the right treatment options for you. Depending on your specific situation, we will plan a treatment that addresses your cosmetic concerns and works within your current lifestyle. This consultation will be the best time to ask questions about your personalized hair restoration process. A member of the California Hair MD staff will assist you with scheduling your treatments and follow-ups after your consultation.

How Do I Prepare for Hair Restoration Treatments?

Please refrain from taking NSAIDs like aspirin or ibuprofen as these medications thin the blood. You should also refrain from certain herbal supplements due to their negative impact on healing. Hair restoration treatments do not require the use of general anesthesia, so please stay hydrated and eat a nutritious meal before your procedure. You must also ask someone to transport you to and from our facilities if you receive FUE treatment. 

Hair Restoration Results

For all treatments mentioned above, it typically takes weeks or months to notice significant changes in your hair growth. Dr. Stuart and Dr. Chaffoo are committed to creating the best plan for your situation, and some treatment plans require great dedication. After PRP or LLL, your results will likely be visible after a few months. It typically takes 2 to 4 months to see new hair growth after minimally invasive treatments like FUE.

How Much Does Hair Restoration Cost in Newport Beach?

The total cost of post-plastic surgery hair restoration depends on each patient’s circumstance, the chosen device and procedure length, and all necessary follow-up appointments. Each patient experiences a unique procedure catered toward their specific needs. 

If you are ready to restore your hairline and gain your confidence back, schedule an appointment with Dr. Chaffoo or Dr. Stuart today. You may also visit any one of California Hair MD’s locations in Beverly Hills, Corona Del Mar, La Jolla, Newport Beach, or San Diego, CA to talk to us directly. Call (800) 373-4773 to take the first step!

References

1. Pham CT, Juhasz M, Ekelem C, et al. The Association of Frontal Alopecia with a History of Facial and Scalp Surgical Procedures. Skin appendage disorders. 2021;8(1):13-19. doi:https://doi.org/10.1159/000518156
2. UEBEL C. Correcting hairline deformities after facial rejuvenation. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2007;27(4):459-465. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asj.2007.03.001
3. Paichitrojjana A. Platelet Rich Plasma and Its Use in Hair Regrowth: A Review. Drug Design, Development and Therapy. 2022;Volume 16:635-645. doi:https://doi.org/10.2147/dddt.s356858
4. Umar S, Lohlun B, Oguzoglu T, Carter MJ. A Novel Follicular Unit Excision Device for All-Purpose Hair Graft Harvesting. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology. 2021;Volume 14:1657-1674. doi:https://doi.org/10.2147/ccid.s333353