Commentary: Lichen Planopilaris After Hair Transplantation

    December 2012 in “ Dermatologic Surgery ”
    Francisco Jiménez
    Image of study
    TLDR Hair transplants can risk reactivating lichen planopilaris, a scarring hair loss condition.
    In the commentary from December 2012, Francisco Jiménez, MD, discusses the risks associated with hair transplantation (HT) in patients with lichen planopilaris (LPP), a type of scarring alopecia. While HT is effective for secondary cicatricial alopecias, such as those caused by burns or radiotherapy, it can be risky for LPP because it may reactivate the disease. Surgeons generally agree that HT should only be performed on LPP patients if the disease has been inactive for at least one year. However, Donovan's paper reported 17 cases where HT appeared to cause a new onset or reactivation of LPP, adding to 10 previously reported cases, suggesting a real association between HT and LPP. The commentary suggests that surgical trauma from the procedure or the introduction of microorganisms could be potential causes for this reactivation. Jiménez emphasizes that HT surgeons should closely monitor patients with less-than-expected hair growth after the procedure for dermatoscopic or histologic signs of LPP.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    1 / 1 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 32 results
      Diffuse hair loss and scalp biopsies

      community Diffuse hair loss and scalp biopsies

      in Research  692 upvotes 1 month ago
      Scalp biopsies are crucial for diagnosing hair loss conditions like Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) and retrograde hair loss, as treatments like finasteride and dutasteride may not be effective if other conditions are present. Combining PPAR-GAMMA agonists with retinoids could improve treatments for conditions like Lichen Planopilaris.

      community The Worst Hair Loss Condition You (MAY) have: LPP

      in Research/Science  43 upvotes 1 month ago
      Lichen Planopilaris (LPP) is an autoimmune condition causing permanent hair loss and fibrosis, often misdiagnosed. Treatments include pioglitazone, topical corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory medication, and Jak inhibitors.

      community Making the jump to hair systems

      in Hair Systems  28 upvotes 3 years ago
      19-year-old with Lichen Planopilaris tried various treatments unsuccessfully. Now considering hair systems, seeking experiences and opinions.

      community scarring alopecia awareness in this community

      in Chat  33 upvotes 1 year ago
      Lichen Planopilaris (LPP), a form of permanent hair loss, which can be mistaken for seborrheic dermatitis and is characterized by scalp itching, burning, redness, and dandruff. Treatment options discussed include steroidal creams, finasteride, minoxidil, and RU58841.

      community Anger and frustration as I finally learn my diagnosis.

      in Female  6 upvotes 1 year ago
      A young female diagnosed with Lichen planopilaris (LPP) experienced years of misdiagnosis and ineffective treatments, including a hair transplant and other procedures. She is considering litigation due to the misdiagnosis and has learned that LPP is chronic, hair loss can be stopped with ongoing medication, but lost hair cannot regrow.

    Related Research

    2 / 2 results