
Failed Hair Transplant: How it Occurs and How to Fix it
Hair transplantation is widely regarded as an effective solution for hair loss, with impressive success rates and life-changing results for many patients. Modern FUE (Follicular Unit Excision) technique, offers extremely natural results with minimal recovery time. This procedure is not only impressive in terms of results, but it is also safe and relatively easy to manage, allowing most patients to return to their daily activities within a few days.
At leading clinics such as Advanced Hair Clinics, the chances of failure in FUE hair transplant procedures are almost zero, reflecting the advanced evolution of hair implantation techniques. A good hair transplant surgeon today confidently expects almost all of his or her procedures to be successful, providing patients with natural new hair and long-lasting results.
However, despite these developments and high expectations, not all hair transplants are going according to plan. A quick internet search will reveal that some patients regret their hair transplant.
If you are considering having this procedure, it is important to understand why some hair transplants fail and what can go wrong. It is also important to know that complications, although rare and often minor, can occur and require special attention. Knowing the potential risks and side effects beforehand can help patients make informed decisions and ensure that their results meet their expectations.
If you have had an unsuccessful hair transplant, do not give up hope. There are several corrective options for restoring your hair and correcting any scarring.

Symptoms of a failed hair transplant
Scars
Scarring is a characteristic feature of a poorly performed hair transplant. They are mainly observed after a FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation), due to the removal of a strip of skin from the scalp. Obvious or extensive scarring is aesthetically unpleasant and is an indication of substandard surgical techniques. The FUE technique has minimized the likelihood of scarring, but in the hands of an inexperienced surgeon, even this modern method can result in visible scarring.

Unnatural hairline
The natural hairline is an essential element for a successful hair transplant. An unnatural appearance, often characterized by a straight, low-set or irregular hairline, can result from poor planning or outdated techniques. Factors such as facial proportions, age and ethnicity should be taken into consideration by the surgeon in designing the hairline to harmonize with the individual’s features and appear age-appropriate.

Insufficient hair growth
Insufficient or patchy hair growth after a transplant can be a deeply frustrating situation. The problem can be caused by a number of factors, such as hair follicle damage during extraction or implantation, poor post-operative care, or underlying health conditions that affect hair growth.

Uneven hair density
Uneven hair density throughout the scalp can result from improper distribution of grafts, leading to an unnatural appearance, with some areas looking denser than others. This can result in bald spots, inconsistent fullness and stark contrasts in appearance between areas with transplanted hair and those without.

Wrong angles of hair follicle placement
The qualified surgeon pays great attention to the angle and direction of the hair follicle placement. Hair follicles implanted at incorrect angles can lead to abnormal directions of hair growth. The condition can be particularly noticeable along the hairline, degrading the natural appearance.

Skin necrosis
Failed hair transplantation can lead to scalp necrosis, a rare complication where skin tissue dies due to insufficient blood supply. This serious complication requires immediate medical attention and can lead to permanent scarring. Necrosis of the skin tissue is often the result of excessive hair follicle harvesting or poor surgical technique that compromises blood flow to the scalp.

Hair transplant failure rate
“Success” in hair transplantation can be subjective and depends on factors such as the patient’s expectations, the extent of pre-existing hair loss and the natural progression of hair loss after the procedure.
Accurate statistics on failed hair transplants are difficult to determine due to the different subjective definitions of ‘failure’ and the fact that many cases are not reported by patients. Clinical studies report graft survival rates ranging from 80% to 95%, depending on the technique used and the experience of the surgeon.
These studies do not include failure rates in countries with cheap medical tourism, such as Turkey and others. 2022, the prestigious medical body International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (IHRS) conducted a statistical study involving 197 of its members. The majority (96.4%) of hair restoration surgeons reported that 0-25% of their cases were correction cases due to a previous black market hair transplant. This emphasizes the importance of choosing a specialized and reliable clinic to minimize the risk of complications.
Highly reputable clinics, such as Advanced Hair Clinics, record a success rate of over 98%. However, realistic expectations and thorough research in choosing a clinic is extremely important for anyone considering hair restoration surgery to have satisfactory and natural results safely.
Causes of failed hair transplantation
Excessive hair follicle harvesting
Excessive hair follicle extraction can lead to depletion of the donor area or even permanent damage, making future procedures more difficult and leading to an unnatural appearance.

Correction of a failed hair transplant
If you have had a failed hair transplant there are several corrective options:
1. Corrective surgery
A skilled surgeon can often correct problems from a previous transplant through careful planning and advanced techniques. This may include removing poorly placed grafts, redistributing existing hair, or performing an additional transplant to improve density and naturalness.
2. Medical tattoo of the scalp
Involves tattooing pigment into the scalp to mimic the appearance of hair follicles and can be particularly effective for concealing linear scars from FUT procedures.
3. FUE transplantation for scar correction
In cases of obvious scars from previous FUT procedures, the FUE technique can be used to transplant hair in the scarred area. This technique can help smooth out the appearance of the scars and create a more natural appearance.
4. Non-surgical treatments
In some cases of failed hair transplantation, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy or the use of minoxidil or finasteride medication may be used to enhance the results.
5. Scalp reduction surgery
In severe cases of scarring or failed transplants, surgical scalp reduction may be considered. This involves surgically removing areas of bald or scarred scalp and approximating adjacent hairy areas of skin to fill the hair gap.
6. Combinatorial approaches
Many cases of failed hair transplants require a multifaceted approach, combining corrective surgery with non-surgical treatments and hair loss management strategies.
We are experts in correcting a failed hair transplant
If you are experiencing a failed hair transplant, at Advanced Hair Clinics we have vast experience in the corrective options required. Contact us for an informational appointment, where we will examine you and recommend solutions for hair restoration or scar correction.
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