A Systematic Review of the Outcome of Hair Transplantation in Primary Scarring Alopecia
September 2018
in “Skin appendage disorders”
TLDR Hair transplantation may work for some types of scarring alopecia, but results vary and more research is needed.
In 2018, a systematic review analyzed the effectiveness of hair transplantation for treating primary scarring alopecia, involving 34 patients across 15 reports. The procedure yielded moderate to positive results in 26 patients, while 8 experienced negative outcomes or disease recurrence. Hair transplantation was found to be potentially effective for central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, en coup de sabre, discoid lupus erythematosus, pseudopelade de brocq, and folliculitis decalvans, but results were mixed for lichen planopilaris and frontal fibrosing alopecia. The review suggested cautious interpretation of the data due to possible publication bias and highlighted the need for controlled disease before surgery, standardized measurement protocols, and more robust scientific studies to establish concrete recommendations for hair transplantation in scarring alopecia.
View this study on karger.com →
Cited in this study
research Familial frontal fibrosing alopecia treated with dutasteride, minoxidil and artificial hair transplantation
Treatment with dutasteride, minoxidil, and artificial hair transplantation improved appearance but caused folliculitis.
research Hair transplantation for the treatment of lichen planopilaris and frontal fibrosing alopecia: A report of two cases
research A case report of coup de sabre patient with hair transplantation
When coup de sabre was no longer in an active state, hair transplantation was found to be a useful method for cosmetic improvement of alopecia. In this case report, follicular units consisting of 2-3 hairs from the patient's occipital scalp were transplanted and followed up for 12 months. The treatment outcomes showed an 86.7% survival rate and a mean length of 14 cm for the transplanted hairs.
research Successful hair transplant outcome in cicatricial lichen planus of the scalp by combining scalp and beard hair along with platelet rich plasma
Hair transplant combining scalp and beard hair with PRP was successful for scarring alopecia.
research Primary Scarring Alopecias
The document concludes that primary scarring alopecias cause permanent hair loss, have unpredictable outcomes, and lack definitive treatments, requiring personalized care.
research Hair Transplantation in the Surgical Treatment of Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia
Hair transplants can effectively treat hair loss from CCCA in African American women if there's no inflammation.
research Complications of hair restoration surgery: A retrospective analysis
Hair restoration surgery can lead to swelling, infections, scarring, numbness, hiccups, and poor hair growth.
research Imposters of Androgenetic Alopecia
Recognize and treat hair loss conditions that mimic androgenetic alopecia by identifying warning signs and using proper tools.
research Is Hair Transplantation Indicated in Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia? The Results of Test Grafting in Three Patients
research Primary cicatricial alopecia: diagnosis and treatment
Primary cicatricial alopecia, a rare disorder causing permanent hair loss, is hard to diagnose and treat, with treatments like anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids offering varied results and no guaranteed cure. Psychological support for patients is important, and future research should aim to identify causes of the condition.
research Cicatricial (Scarring) Alopecias
Scarring alopecias are complex hair loss disorders that require early treatment to prevent permanent hair loss.
research Alopecia: evaluation and treatment
The document concludes that proper diagnosis and FDA-approved treatments for different types of hair loss exist, but treatments for severe cases often fail and future improvements may focus on hair follicle stem cells.
research Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia in a Man: Results of Follicular Unit Test Grafting
Hair transplantation may not work for Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia as transplanted hair was lost when the disease came back.
research A new approach to treating scarring alopecia by hair transplantation and topical minoxidil
Hair transplant and applying 5% minoxidil solution can effectively treat permanent hair loss, but it may change hair direction in some cases.
research The surgical treatment of cicatricial alopecia
The document concludes that surgery is a preferred treatment for cicatricial alopecia, with the method chosen based on individual factors and may require multiple sessions and careful postoperative care.
research A case-series of 29 patients with lichen planopilaris: The Cleveland Clinic Foundation experience on evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment
The study found that steroids and tetracycline helped treat active Lichen planopilaris, and hair transplants were good for later stages.
Related
research Hair and Nail Conditions: Alopecia Evaluation
Alopecia causes hair loss and should be treated early, especially scarring types where hair cannot regrow.
research Efficacy of systemic minoxidil and tofacitinib combination in treatment‐resistant alopecia universalis
Using minoxidil and tofacitinib together can effectively treat severe hair loss.
research Co‐localization of alopecia areata and lichen planopilaris in a patient receiving immunosuppressants: A rare case
research Hair care, Therapies and Transplantation
Different types of hair loss can be caused by hormones, stress, autoimmune disorders, illness, or nutritional deficiencies, and can be treated with medication, nutritional supplements, or hair transplantation.
research An Excellent Response to Tofacitinib in a Pediatric Alopecia Patient: A Case Report and Review.
An 8-year-old with severe hair loss regrew all hair after six months of tofacitinib treatment.
research A review on Hair Loss & Damage
The article concludes that understanding the causes of hair loss and using continuous treatments like minoxidil and finasteride can help manage it, despite potential side effects.
research Topical and intralesional therapies for alopecia areata
No treatments fully cure or prevent alopecia areata; some help but have side effects or need more research.