Hair transplantation in burn scar alopecia after combined non-ablative fractional laser and microfat graft treatment

Abstract

Background: Burn scar and alopecia on hair-bearing areas can severely affect the social life of patients. Unlike healthy skin, poor biological and mechanical properties of scar tissue in the recipient area can reduce the survival rate of hair graft following hair transplantation. Objectives: The authors sought to determine if combined non-ablative fractional laser (NAFL) and microfat injection could improve the survival rate of hair grafts on post burn scar. Methods: Thirteen patients with alopecia resulting from burn scar in hair-bearing areas of the scalp and face were treated with combined NAFL and microfat graft and subsequent follicular unit extraction hair transplantation. Cicatricial alopecia occurred on the scalp, eyebrow, mustache, and beard areas. Patients were treated with 3 to 6 sessions of NAFL and 2 to 5 sessions of microfat graft injections, followed by 1 session of hair transplantation employing the follicular unit extraction technique. Results: Hair transplantation was successfully performed with good to excellent results. The survival rate of transplanted follicular units ranged from 76% to 95% (mean, 85.04%), and the density success rate per square centimeter ranged from 76.9% to 95.2% (mean, 84.54%). All patients expressed high satisfaction with the results and no complication was encountered. Conclusions: Hair transplantation, after combined NAFL and microfat injection, is a promising treatment for post burn alopecia. Level of Evidence: 4