Cobblestone Effect After a Hair Transplant
Hair transplants are now a widely popular hair loss/hair thinning solution. Due to the advancement of technology, hair restoration procedures are now creating more natural looking results with less scarring. But, as with any medical procedure, hair transplants are not without their risks and possible complications.
The cobblestone effect is one of the problems that patients can experience after the hair transplant. That said, in this blog, we will be looking towards what the cobblestone effect is, what causes it, and how it can be cured.
What is Cobblestoning Hair Transplant?
After a hair transplant, you may develop a cobblestoning texture on the surface of your scalp. That name is derived from the fact that the bumps look like cobblestones on a cobblestone street. This happens when the hair follicles planted are placed in a regular fashion, so there are some elevations in the skin.
Cobblestoning may occur following Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT) and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) procedures. While uncommon, patients who have had a hair transplant can worry about this condition when, as hair grows out normally, it is obvious that some areas are uneven. Cobblestoning per se, is not harmful, but it can affect the final appearance, yielding a hairline or scalp that looks uneven and unnatural.
Causes of Cobblestoning in Hair Transplant
Several factors can contribute to the development of cobblestoning after a hair transplant. Let’s explore the most common causes.
- Improper Placement of Grafts
One of the primary causes of cobblestoning is the improper placement of hair follicles. During a hair transplant, the surgeon must carefully place each follicle at the correct depth and angle to ensure a natural look. If the grafts are placed too deeply or unevenly, the scalp can form lumps and bumps as the body heals around the hair follicles.
- Uneven Extraction of Follicles
In FUE procedures, hair follicles are extracted one by one using a small punch tool. If the surgeon extracts follicles unevenly or at the wrong angle, it can lead to irregular grafts that cause an uneven scalp texture. The spacing between the follicles may also affect how the scalp heals, which can result in a cobblestone-like appearance.
- Swelling and Inflammation
After the transplant, the scalp goes through a healing process, which includes some degree of swelling and inflammation. If the swelling is uneven or persists for an extended period, it can lead to uneven growth and scarring that results in cobblestoning. Proper post-operative care is essential to minimize inflammation.
- Trauma to the Scalp
In some cases, external trauma or friction on the scalp after the transplant can contribute to cobblestoning. Activities like scratching, excessive touching, or rough hair care can disrupt the healing process, causing the skin to form irregular bumps.
- Poor Surgical Technique
Not all hair transplant surgeons are equally skilled, and a less experienced surgeon may not have the technique necessary to avoid cobblestoning. Whether it’s improper graft handling, incorrect incision sizes, or failure to follow the best practices for graft placement, poor technique can lead to aesthetic issues like cobblestoning.
- Infection
Although rare, infections can occur after a hair transplant. Infections can lead to inflammation and scarring that disrupts the uniformity of the scalp, contributing to the development of cobblestoning. Following proper aftercare instructions is crucial to minimize the risk of infection.
How to Fix Cobblestoning After Hair Transplant
The cobblestone effect is not always permanent, and there are ways to correct or improve the condition. Here are a few approaches to fixing cobblestoning:
- Wait for Full Healing
In many cases, cobblestoning can improve on its own after the scalp fully heals. It is important to remember that hair transplants require a healing period of several months, and the final results may not be visible until at least 6 to 12 months after the procedure. Sometimes, the bumps can smooth out as the scalp heals and the transplanted hair follicles settle into place.
- Massage and Scalp Care
Gentle scalp massages can help stimulate blood circulation and promote better healing. Regularly massaging the scalp can help break down scar tissue and improve the overall texture of the skin. However, it’s essential to be gentle and avoid excessive pressure that could irritate the healing area.
- Laser Therapy
Another potential solution is laser therapy, which can be used to treat scarring and uneven skin texture. Different forms of laser treatments are often used to break down scar tissue and promote skin rejuvenation. These therapies can help smooth out the scalp and reduce the visibility of cobblestones.
- FUE Touch-Up Procedure
If cobblestoning is severe, a secondary FUE procedure may be required to correct the issue. In this touch-up procedure, the surgeon can redistribute hair follicles or remove any irregular grafts to smooth out the scalp’s appearance. This is usually a safe and effective option for improving the aesthetics of the hairline.
- Hair Growth and Camouflage
In some cases, patients may opt for the option of adding more hair follicles to fill in the uneven areas. If the cobblestone effect is mild, growing the hair longer can help camouflage the lumps and create a more uniform appearance.
Get Cobblestone Hair Transplant at Divine Cosmetic Surgery
If you’re concerned about the potential for cobblestoning after your hair transplant, the skilled team at Divine Cosmetic Surgery can help. With years of experience in performing high-quality hair transplants, they are equipped to handle the delicate nature of hair restoration and avoid complications like cobblestoning.
Their experts use advanced techniques and cutting-edge technology to ensure that you get the most natural and aesthetically pleasing results possible.
