Can Surgery Restore Hair Growth After a Forehead Tumor?

Head tumor

Hello Dr.
Tsai, when I was 8 years old, I sustained a 2 cm injury to my right forehead, which resulted in a soft tumor with a diameter of 4 cm that has not resolved.
Over time, it has hardened and I don't feel any discomfort.
As I reached my twenties and thirties, my hair gradually started to fall out, and now there is a completely bald patch with only very short hair that does not grow but falls out instead.
Is there any way to promote hair regrowth? If surgery is performed to remove the hardened tissue, will the hair follicles in the scalp recover and allow for healthy hair regrowth? Thank you! Mr.
Liu

Liu Xiansheng, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/08/17

Dr. Cai Xingzhi reply Surgery

Hello, I recommend that you visit a plastic surgery or dermatology clinic.
Thank you.

Reply Date: 2015/08/17

More Info

When considering the possibility of restoring hair growth after the removal of a forehead tumor, it is essential to understand the underlying factors that contribute to hair loss in such cases. In your situation, the tumor you described, which developed after a head injury, has likely led to changes in the scalp's structure and health. The hardening of the tissue over time may have affected the hair follicles in that area, leading to the thinning and eventual loss of hair.

Surgical intervention can be a viable option for removing the tumor and any associated fibrous tissue. However, the outcome regarding hair regrowth depends on several factors, including the extent of damage to the hair follicles, the type of tumor, and the surrounding tissue's condition. If the hair follicles have been significantly damaged or destroyed due to the tumor or the body's healing response, it is possible that hair regrowth may not occur even after surgical removal.

In cases where scar tissue has formed, this can lead to a condition known as scarring alopecia. This condition occurs when inflammation or injury to the scalp results in the destruction of hair follicles and their replacement with scar tissue, which does not support hair growth. If your scalp has developed scar tissue as a result of the tumor or previous injuries, the likelihood of hair regrowth in that area may be low.

If surgery is performed to remove the tumor and surrounding hard tissue, it is crucial to have a thorough evaluation by a dermatologist or a specialist in hair restoration. They can assess the condition of your hair follicles and the surrounding tissue to provide a more accurate prognosis regarding potential hair regrowth. In some cases, hair restoration techniques such as hair transplants may be considered, especially if there are healthy hair follicles available in other areas of the scalp.

Additionally, post-surgical care plays a significant role in recovery and potential hair regrowth. Following the surgery, it is essential to follow your doctor's recommendations for wound care and to monitor for any signs of infection or complications. Maintaining a healthy scalp environment can also support hair growth, so consider discussing topical treatments or therapies that may promote healing and follicle health.

In summary, while surgery can remove the tumor and potentially improve the scalp's condition, the ability to restore hair growth will depend on the extent of damage to the hair follicles and the presence of scar tissue. Consulting with a specialist in dermatology or hair restoration will provide you with the best options tailored to your specific situation. They can guide you through the process and help set realistic expectations for hair regrowth after surgery.

Similar Q&A

How to Regrow Hair After Hemangioma Treatment in Adolescents

When I was younger, I had a hemangioma on my head, but after it was treated, I lost all my hair in that area and have not been able to grow any back since. There are no signs of hair follicles, and I am completely bald in that spot. This is quite troubling for me, especially duri...

Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Rong: There may not be an effective solution to this problem, but perhaps consulting a professional hairstylist could help by using nearby hair to create a style that conceals it. Thank you.

Will Scalp Cyst Surgery Affect Hair Growth?

Hello, doctor. I recently developed a sebaceous cyst on the top of my head, but since it's located there, I have a lot of hair. I would like to ask if undergoing excision surgery would damage the hair follicles and result in hair not growing back in that area. I'm conce...

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology
In principle, there will be a surgical scar, which means that hair will not grow on that scar.

Understanding Scalp Lipomas: Treatment Options and When to Seek Help

Hello Dr. Ke: I have a small tumor located on the scalp behind my right ear (covered by hair), approximately the size of a green bean. It is not painful or itchy and has been present for several years, with a slight increase in size (it was smaller when first discovered). I would...

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery
1. Please do not do this. I have seen many cases in the outpatient clinic where the sarcoma did not fall off after such actions, but instead resulted in infection and inflammation. 2. If you want to remove it, please let a general surgeon perform the excision. Dermatology clinic...

Understanding Hair Thinning: Can Fine Hairs Be Revived Before Transplant?

Hello Dr. Huang, I am currently a postdoctoral researcher at National Chiao Tung University and I understand that you are an attending physician at Hsinchu Hospital. I would like to consult you regarding my hair loss issue. Based on the area affected, I believe I am at stage 5 o...

Dr. Huang Ruiyun reply Dermatology
The logic behind this issue is actually quite simple; the difficulty lies in the decision you make for yourself. Pathway 1: Male pattern baldness is not a disease; it is merely a common genetic trait, where one increasingly resembles a certain ancestor. Bruce Willis and Sean Conn...