Hair loss due to lichen planopilaris after hair transplantation: a report of two cases and a literature review.

Androgenetic alopecia is often treated by follicular unit transplantation, a technique that involves minimal risk of hair loss because of the more resistant nature of the donor area. Lichen planopilaris is a cicatricial alopecia that causes permanent destruction of hair follicles. We report two cases of post-transplantation lesions compatible with lichen planopilaris in both recipient and donor areas. The quality of the hair follicles in the donor area was apparently compromised by lichen planopilaris, the probable cause of hair loss. Similar reports are rare. When lichen planopilaris is suspected, a biopsy of the scalp must be performed to avoid transplantation during disease activity.