Follicular Unit Transplantation Versus Scalp Expansion in Management of Secondary Cicatricial Alopecia

Abstract

Background: The bad impact of cicatricial alopecia among population leads to increase the desire of correcting that type of hair loss. There are many methods of hair restoration, but the efficacy of each, its indications and the possible hazards hasn't yet been clearly identified. Objective: To evaluate the use of two different techniques for hair restoration in patients with secondary cicatricial alopecia. Either using follicular unit extraction (FUE) or scalp expanders (SE) to correct the deformity depending upon many factors (Inclusion & Exclusion criteria). Indications, operative time, Aesthetic outcome and complications are to be discussed. Patients and Methods: This study included 30 patients who were grouped into two populations. The first one (Group A) those who underwent FUE included 13 cases while the second group was SE (Group B) included 17. All of them were suffering from secondary cicatricial alopecia and they were grouped according to the surface area of the alopecia. Results: The mean value of the surface area of alopecia was significantly larger in the SE group than FUE group with a p-value <0.001. Post-operative recovery was nearly similar apart from being faster gain in group B and better hair density. Conclusion: In management of secondary cicatricial alopecia, many factors affect surgical planning. Both FUE and SE are very useful tools in managing those patients when properly selected and tailored to the patient.