The majority of unsuccessful hair transplants were performed with older methods such as the punch or plug technique, before the onset of more sophisticated options. Today, hair transplant repair work has advanced to the point where it is possible to turn a failed hair transplant into one that cannot be detected. Hair transplant repair is becoming more and more refined with the advancement of technology.
However, hair transplant repair work is a complex process from beginning to end. The doctor must not only instill trust in the client but also assess whether a successful outcome is even possible. Bad hair transplants usually present great limitation to the doctor.
The client should have a lengthy consultation with the doctor before deciding to repair an old hair transplant. It is of utmost importance that the doctor is completely clear on what is of concern to the patient. It is not always possible to achieve all of the client’s wishes but some improvement is usually possible.
There are two commonly used repair methods. One if called camouflage and uses follicular unit grafts from other areas of the patients scalp, and the other method is called removal and re-implantation, which simply removes the large grafts and re-inserts them as follicular hair units. A “pluggy” look can definitely be improved by removing and re-inserting hair from the too large grafts. In other words, camouflage is where donor hair is obtained from various parts of the scalp and transplanted into the recipient area, with the goal of improving the overall look. Camouflage can also be used to place follicular hair units in front of or between the larger grafts. Re-implantation refers to when donor hair is obtained from existing grafts.
Camouflage is an efficient method in hair transplant repair work. Existing grafts are left to provide density to the hair, and smaller grafts are inserted to create a more natural look. Camouflage is the preferable method since removal and reimplantation will require more procedures and can delay the final result. However, camouflage will not work if the grafts are too large, the hairline does not look natural or is in the wrong direction, or when there is not enough donor hair. When camouflage will not improve the overall appearance, removal and reinsertion is the only option left.
While there are many people who have been left with unsuccessful hair transplants; luckily, these individuals now have a great chance in repairing their previous hair transplant and achieving a natural look.
