What to expect from hair transplant for traction alopecia

A clinician examines the hairline and affected scalp for inflammation, scarring, and signs that tension is continuing. If suitable, follicles are taken from a donor area and placed into regions where growth has not returned. Scarring can limit available recipient sites and donor supply, so the plan is tailored to the shape and condition of the loss.

The treated scalp may be tender, swollen, crusted, or numb for a short period. Some transplanted hairs can shed before new growth appears. The result develops progressively, and transplanted follicles cannot protect nearby hairs that remain under repeated tension.

Stop hairstyles, extensions, or accessories that pull on the hairline and choose gentle handling during recovery. Follow washing, sleeping, exercise, and sun-care instructions. Attend reviews to check healing. Tell the clinician about itching, pain, scaling, or recurrent breakage, since these may signal ongoing irritation that needs treatment.

Contact the clinic for increasing pain, expanding redness, pus, fever, persistent bleeding, wound separation, or a sudden change in the treated scalp. Seek urgent care for breathing difficulty or rapid facial swelling. Mild soreness and crusting may accompany healing, but worsening symptoms should not be ignored.

Ask whether the alopecia is stable, whether scarring affects graft placement, which hairstyles are safe afterward, how the donor area will be protected, and what signs would suggest renewed traction or inflammation.