Introduction
Hair loss, especially in scarred areas, can be a distressing issue for many individuals. New York City, being a hub of medical innovation and expertise, offers a wide range of doctors and clinics specializing in hair transplantation on scarred areas. This article aims to provide a comprehensive ranking of doctors in New York City for hair transplantation on scarred areas and also compare the plastic surgery results they achieve.
Understanding Hair Transplantation on Scarred Areas
Challenges in Scarred Area Hair Transplantation
Transplanting hair on scarred areas presents unique challenges. Scar tissue often has reduced blood supply, which can make it difficult for the transplanted hair follicles to survive. The texture and elasticity of the scarred skin also differ from normal skin, affecting the way the follicles are implanted. Unlike normal hair transplantation, doctors need to use specialized techniques to ensure the successful growth of hair in these areas.
Ideal Candidates for Scarred Area Hair Transplantation
Ideal candidates for this procedure are usually those who have experienced hair loss due to scarring from injuries, surgeries, or burns. They should have healthy donor hair on other parts of the scalp, typically at the back and sides, from which follicles can be harvested. According to a leading source, individuals between 25 to 66 years of age can be suitable candidates, although there are no strict age limits, as younger individuals may also experience premature hair loss due to scarring.
Top Doctors and Clinics in New York City for Scarred Area Hair Transplantation
Bernstein Medical Center for Hair Restoration
Bernstein Medical is a state - of - the - art hair restoration facility founded in 2005 by world - renowned hair restoration innovator and surgeon Dr. Robert M. Bernstein. Dr. Bernstein is honored to be in New York magazine’s “Best Doctors in New York” issue for twenty consecutive years and is considered among the best surgeons in the field of hair restoration. He is a pioneer of follicular unit extraction, a technique that can be particularly useful for scarred area hair transplantation as it allows for the transplantation of hair without a linear incision or scar.
The clinic has a service focus of 27% hair restoration, 34% hair transplant, 16% hair loss prevention, and 23% other. Their expertise in using advanced technologies makes them a top choice for patients seeking hair transplantation on scarred areas. They use the most advanced techniques to ensure that the transplanted hair in scarred areas blends naturally with the existing hair, providing a more aesthetically pleasing result.
Feller & Bloxham Medical Hair Transplant
Dr. Feller’s practice at Feller & Bloxham is limited exclusively to hair restoration surgery. He employs a team of experienced technicians for every procedure, which he calls “super - technicians.” These technicians are trained and work exclusively at the clinic, ensuring high - quality care during the hair transplantation process.
The service focus of the clinic includes 37% hair restoration, 24% hair transplant, 14% hair loss prevention, and 25% other. Their dedication to hair restoration and the use of a specialized team for each procedure can be beneficial for patients with scarred areas. They can customize the transplantation technique according to the specific condition of the scarred area, increasing the chances of successful hair growth.
Wolfeld Hair (Dr. Michael Wolfeld)
Dr. Michael Wolfeld is a nationally - recognized hair restoration specialist. He is the first physician certified both by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery. He serves as an assistant clinic professor of plastic surgery at Mount Sinai Medical Center.
Dr. Wolfeld's reputation for excellence has led to many awards and honors, including being named in the New York Times “Super Doctor” list, Castle Connelly's “Top Doctors in America", and in “10 Best List of Plastic Surgeons” by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons. He offers a variety of advanced hair restoration procedures, including robotic hair transplantation using the Artas IX system. This system can provide greater precision in follicle extraction and implantation, which is crucial for scarred area hair transplantation. His clinic's service focus includes 31% hair restoration, 14% hair transplant, 16% hair loss prevention, and 39% other.
City Facial Plastics (Dr. Gary Linkov)
Dr. Gary Linkov is a double board - certified facial plastic surgeon based in New York City. He is well - known as one of Manhattan’s best hair transplant surgeons and top hair restoration doctors. His practice focuses on both non - surgical approaches to stimulate hair growth as well as cutting - edge hair transplant methods, including FUT (strip harvesting) and FUE (using the versatile Trivellini FUE system).
Dr. Linkov customizes each procedure to meet every patient’s unique needs and goals, paying close attention to factors such as hair texture, growth patterns, and the patient’s facial features. This personalized approach can be highly beneficial for patients with scarred areas, as it ensures that the transplanted hair looks natural and blends well with the surrounding hair. His clinic offers advanced options for hair transplants and hair growth therapy in conjunction with the Foundation for Hair Restoration. The service focus at City Facial Plastics includes 17% hair restoration, 19% hair transplant, 29% hair loss prevention, and 34% other.
Comparison of Plastic Surgery Results
Naturalness of the Results
One of the key aspects of comparing plastic surgery results in hair transplantation on scarred areas is the naturalness of the transplanted hair. Doctors like Dr. Bernstein at Bernstein Medical are known for rebuilding a hairline strand by strand, which can result in a very natural - looking outcome. The use of follicular unit extraction also contributes to the natural appearance as it mimics the natural growth pattern of hair.
Dr. Linkov at City Facial Plastics is also highly skilled in creating natural - looking hairlines. He customizes each procedure according to the patient's hair texture and facial features, ensuring that the transplanted hair in scarred areas blends seamlessly with the existing hair. On the other hand, Dr. Wolfeld's use of the Artas IX system in robotic hair transplantation can provide precise placement of follicles, which also helps in achieving a natural - looking result.
Coverage and Density
The coverage and density of the transplanted hair are important factors in evaluating the results. Dr. Feller at Feller & Bloxham can use his experienced team to carefully assess the scarred area and determine the appropriate number of follicles to transplant for optimal coverage and density. Their focus on hair restoration allows them to provide a full - looking result in the scarred area.
Dr. Wolfeld's advanced techniques, including the Artas IX system, can also ensure a good coverage and density of the transplanted hair. The robotic system can harvest high - quality follicles and place them in the recipient area with accuracy, leading to a more uniform and dense hair growth. However, the actual coverage and density achieved also depend on the patient's donor hair characteristics and the extent of the scarring.
Long - term Results and Survival of Transplanted Hair
The long - term survival of the transplanted hair is a crucial measure of the success of the plastic surgery. Doctors who use advanced techniques and take into account the reduced blood supply and unique characteristics of scarred areas are more likely to achieve long - term results. For example, Dr. Bernstein's experience in using follicular unit extraction can increase the survival rate of the transplanted hair in scarred areas as it minimizes damage to the follicles during extraction.
Dr. Linkov's personalized approach, which considers factors like the patient's overall health and the specific condition of the scar, can also contribute to the long - term survival of the transplanted hair. Additionally, Dr. Wolfeld's advanced hair restoration procedures, combined with post - operative care instructions, can help in ensuring that the transplanted hair continues to grow and thrive in the long run.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Doctor for Scarred Area Hair Transplantation
Experience and Expertise
It is essential to choose a doctor with extensive experience in hair transplantation on scarred areas. Doctors like Dr. Bernstein, Dr. Feller, Dr. Wolfeld, and Dr. Linkov have years of experience in the field and have dealt with a wide range of cases. Their expertise allows them to handle the unique challenges of scarred area hair transplantation effectively.
Certifications and Awards
Certifications from recognized medical boards, such as the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery, are a sign of a doctor's professional competence. Awards and honors, like those received by Dr. Wolfeld and Dr. Bernstein, also indicate their high level of skill and recognition in the industry.
Patient Reviews and Testimonials
Reading patient reviews and testimonials can provide valuable insights into the doctor's bedside manner, the quality of the results, and the overall patient experience. For example, patients of Dr. Wolfeld often praise his caring attitude and the remarkable results of their hair transplants. Positive reviews can give you confidence in your choice of doctor.
Technology and Techniques Used
Doctors who use the latest technology and advanced techniques are more likely to achieve better results. The use of robotic systems like the Artas IX by Dr. Wolfeld and follicular unit extraction by Dr. Bernstein are examples of cutting - edge techniques that can improve the success rate of hair transplantation on scarred areas.
Cost and Financing Options
The cost of hair transplantation on scarred areas can vary depending on the doctor, the extent of the procedure, and the techniques used. It is important to consider your budget and also inquire about financing options. Some clinics, like Dr. Wolfeld's, offer various financing options to make the procedure more affordable for patients.
Common Hair Transplantation Methods in New York City
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
FUE is a popular hair transplant method in New York City. In this method, the surgeon removes individual hair follicles from the donor area of the scalp and transplants them into the receiving area. FUE is less invasive and creates minimal scarring, which is especially important for patients with scarred areas. It allows for a more natural - looking result as the follicles are transplanted one by one. Many doctors, including Dr. Bernstein and Dr. Linkov, use FUE in their hair transplantation procedures.
Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)
FUT, also known as the “strip method,” involves removing a strip of skin from the donor region and separating it into singular hair grafts, which are then transplanted into the thinning or balding parts of the scalp. While FUT may leave a thin linear scar at the donor site, it can provide a high number of grafts in a single session. Some patients with large scarred areas may benefit from this method. Doctors like Dr. Linkov also offer FUT as an option for hair transplantation.
Artas (Robotic Hair Transplant System)
The Artas system is an advanced form of FUE. It uses robotic assistance and AI to increase accuracy in follicle extraction and implantation. This leads to much lower scarring and discomfort for the patient. Dr. Wolfeld is well - known for using the Artas IX system in his hair restoration procedures. The system can select the optimum location, type of follicle, and angle for implantation, resulting in a more precise and natural - looking result.
Potential Risks and Complications
Infection and Bleeding
As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection and bleeding in hair transplantation on scarred areas. However, these complications are incredibly rare and typically minimal. Patients are usually advised to avoid using certain drugs such as aspirin or some herbal supplements or remedies prior to the surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding.
Scarring
While the goal of hair transplantation on scarred areas is to improve the appearance of the scar and grow hair, there is still a risk of additional scarring. The type of method used can affect the scarring outcome. For example, FUE generally results in minimal scarring, while FUT may leave a thin linear scar at the donor site. However, doctors use techniques to minimize the visibility of these scars.
Transplanted Hair Shedding
The majority of the transplanted hair is shed within one month after the procedure. This is a normal part of the hair growth cycle. It takes about 3 months before new hair begins to grow, and it will continue to grow at a normal rate. Patients should be aware of this shedding phase and not be alarmed.
Numbness and Swelling
There may be numbness at the recipient or donor sites after the surgery, which usually disappears within a couple of weeks to a month or so. Swelling can also occur, but it typically diminishes in several days. Medication is generally used to help reduce swelling.
Recovery and Aftercare
Immediate Post - operative Care
Most patients are able to return to work just a day or 2 after the hair transplant procedure. The hair is to be washed the next morning after the procedure. Vigorous physical activity has to be limited for at least 5 days to a week after the procedure. Medication is often prescribed to help reduce any swelling that might occur.
Long - term Aftercare
It is important to follow up with the doctor at the 4 to 6 - month interval to assess the results and monitor the patient’s progress. The doctor may provide instructions on hair care products and treatments to promote the health and growth of the transplanted hair. For example, using certain shampoos and conditioners and taking supplements may be recommended.
Conclusion
In conclusion, New York City offers a wealth of options for patients seeking hair transplantation on scarred areas. Doctors such as Dr. Robert M. Bernstein, Dr. Feller, Dr. Michael Wolfeld, and Dr. Gary Linkov are among the top experts in the field, each with their own unique skills, experience, and advanced techniques. When comparing the plastic surgery results, factors such as naturalness, coverage, density, and long - term survival of the transplanted hair are important considerations.
Before choosing a doctor, patients should carefully consider factors like experience, certifications, patient reviews, technology used, and cost. Understanding the common hair transplantation methods, potential risks, and recovery process is also crucial. By making an informed decision, patients can increase their chances of achieving successful and satisfactory results in hair transplantation on scarred areas.
Call - to - Action
If you are struggling with hair loss in scarred areas, don't hesitate to take the next step. Research the doctors and clinics mentioned in this article further, read more patient reviews, and schedule consultations with the ones that seem most suitable for your needs. Take control of your hair restoration journey and regain your confidence.
