Cicatricial alopecia is defined as a diverse disorder in which there is permanent destruction of hair follicles with irreversible shedding of hair and the use of FUT (follicular unit transplantation) in the treatment of cicatricial alopecia has been proven beneficial over the time. It is basically a scarring type of hair loss in which scar connective tissue takes place of the follicular epithelium which leads to permanent hair loss because the hair cannot be grown on scarred areas. It is quite challenging for surgeons to come up with a way to transplant such a scarred tissue.
COMMON CAUSES OF CICATRICIAL ALOPECIA
Cicatricial alopecia is caused when there is inflammation of the scalp and complete loss of stem cells and sebaceous glands so that no further growth of hair is possible. The most common causes of having a cicatricial hair loss are as follows:
· Burns
· Trauma
· Plastic surgery
· Radiation therapy
· Carcinoma
· Metastatic tumour
FUT in the treatment of cicatricial alopecia is a good option but there were many challenges faced by the surgeons. In this disorder, the skin has become thickened due to deposition of connective tissue. Also there are already present scars for which care should be taken while doing the procedure.
SYMPTOMS
· Progressive hair loss occurs that may be gradual or rapid depending on the amount of trauma the patient had.
· Burning sensations may be felt on the affected area.
· Itching can happen in extreme cases.
· Redness at the roots of hair can be seen.
· In rare cases, blisters may appear in the scalp.
· Scarring is the ultimate fate of this disorder.
SURGICAL PROCEDURE
For the use of FUT in the treatment of cicatricial alopecia, the following steps are followed:
· The patient is made to sign a consent form to undergo all the surgical procedures of FUT (follicular unit transplantation)and he / she is selected on the criteria of this treatment.
· The skin of the scalp is treated with anaesthesia so that the process causes minimum pain.
· The donor area used for this type of transplant is almost always the occipital region of the scalp ( back & sides of head) because the hair present there is of maximum density and most of the time this area is spared in baldness of other areas of the scalp.
· A whole strip of the donor area is taken to obtain grafts from it.
· Then, dissection of the strip under microscopic is done and follicular units are extracted from it. These grafts are taken from the strip of occipital area on micro level and stored.
· Next, some incisions are made in the recipient area. These are made in the form of holes which can be broadened according to size of follicle. This is the most important step of procedure because precise operational techniques are used in this step.
· Later, the extracted follicles are implanted in the incisions and donor and recipient areas are bandaged and dressed.
· The recovery time for FUT is some days after which the hair starts growing normally 12 weeks later.
CONCLUSION
The use of FUT or Fue in the treatment of cicatricial baldness is an effective method which provides many advantages with minimum complications while promising the safety and protection of the area being used for the procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the best specialist for cicatricial alopecia treatment in Pakistan?
The best specialist who treats this condition successfully in Pakistan is Dr. Ahmad Chaudhry. He did his specialization in hair diseases from Paris France and is an experienced doctor in Pakistan.
What is the best scarring alopecia treatment in Pakistan?
The best treatment is to consult and get proper diagnosis timely otherwise this disease will destroy hair permanently. The initial step is to stop and control this disease. Second phase is to regrow lost hair. Specialists normally used or advised steroids creams/ lotions and injections for this disease.
What is the fee for specialists who treat in Pakistan?
An average check up fee for hair diseases specialists in Pakistan is 1500 to 3000 Pak Rupee.
Who is the top doctor performing surgery for cicatricial alopecia in Pakistan?
Top doctor who is performing surgery for this disease is Dr. Ahmad Chaudhry in Pakistan.
How can I book an appointment with a specialist who provides FREE consultation in Pakistan?
You can call or WhatsApp +92-333-430-9999 and get an appointment and there is no consultation or check up fee of Dr. Ahmad Chaudhry in Pakistan.
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