Hair Loss Due to Scalp Laceration

Because hair cannot grow in a scar, localized hair loss due to scalp lacerations is at least as common as natural balding. Balding may actually spread from the site of the laceration, depending on the type of injury.

Blood Flow

• Hair follicles are like any other type of cell and will die without nourishment. Scar tissue does not contain a distinct infrastructure of blood vessels and generally will not support follicles.

Side Laceration

• If a flap of scalp is pulled away from the skull after laceration, the underlying blood vessels may sustain damage and be unable to support hair growth.

Staples and Sutures

• The staples or sutures used to close the laceration may cause strangulation of the blood vessels, leading to hair loss all around the suture location.

Blunt Trauma

• Blunt trauma often accompanies a laceration, and this in and of itself can damage blood vessels in a widespread area.

Restoration

• The only way to correct laceration-caused hair loss is to have surgical hair replacement or use a synthetic hair piece.