What problems might a scar in my head because of hair transplant cause me once I get to BCT?

2020-12-03T04:58:04-05:00

So, I recently enlisted in army and will be shipping to BCT in couple of months. But now I am panicking. I have a scar in my head resulted from a FUT hair transplant procedure. In BCT, when my hair is shaved off, the scar will be visible. I disclosed this to my recruiter and he said its not a big deal and doesn't require to be put in prescreen as its not a medical condition. He then asked me to stick to script and stressed that "MEPS doctor are not your friends.. Just stick to script, we do this daily" etc etc.
Am I being unnecessarily paranoid. Did I just screwed things up. What would happen in first week of reception?

Response by SSG Laurie Mullen made Dec 3 at 2020 5:29 AM

2020-12-03T05:29:58-05:00

Do NOT lie to MEPS. Your recruiter is not the one who will have to suffer the consequences if the lie is discovered. The scar isn't from an injury, major surgery, or from self mutilation so it's probably going to be a non-issue and just something that needs to be annotated. Be honest with MEPS.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2020 7:54 AM

2020-12-03T07:54:52-05:00

the biggest problem you'll have at BCT is the DS giving you shit about having had a hair transplant. They're going to have a field day with that one.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Dec 3 at 2020 8:31 AM

2020-12-03T08:31:10-05:00

I do have a scar in the back of my head, about 3 inches in length. Shipped to BCT 4 days after my High School graduation, and retired 27 years later. From PVT/E1 to MAJ/O4. My Drill SGTs called me piggy bank for a few days but guess what? The whole BCT is a script (SHHH, don't tell anyone) to keep you on your toes, stressed, and break you down from civilian into a Soldier. Many have passed before you, you will pass, and many will do after. Don't sweat it.

MEPS. Were you cleared by then? Yes? No problem, go and take your GQ photo shot!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2020 9:37 AM

2020-12-03T09:37:34-05:00

Definitely going to cause you to get laughed at. The best part about Basic is it exposes all your weaknesses and you either overcome them or crumble

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Dec 3 at 2020 10:15 AM

2020-12-03T10:15:21-05:00

I say it’s not a big deal. If the scar isn’t from undisclosed brain surgery or something like that then you’re good to go. You’ll get questions and I can see some possible caustic remarks from the DIs. You’ll make it and be stronger for the experience.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2020 11:07 AM

2020-12-03T11:07:12-05:00

I have a scar on the back of my head from an injury when I was a kid. I think you’ll be fine as long as it isn’t self harm, major surgery....
just remember recruiters aren’t your friends either. Do not lie trying to enlist. It only hurts you.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2020 12:32 PM

2020-12-03T12:32:27-05:00

Sounds like you cleared MEPS so it's all moot at this point.

Chances are there's going to be other issues floating around to be singled out by Drills anyway so don't sweat it.

When I was in training, there was a RAMBO, and a SHERLOCK, that I think trumps a head transplant any day.

Response by GySgt Kenneth Pepper made Dec 3 at 2020 12:45 PM

2020-12-03T12:45:13-05:00

From what have seen it is a simple cosmetic procedure, not a medical one. It shouldn't be a problem.
I would make up a really good lbullshit story about it. Abducted by aliens, maybe. I like the shark bite on, too. Or just say, "What scar? Oh no, where that come from?"

Response by SSG Steve Smith made Dec 3 at 2020 1:15 PM

2020-12-03T13:15:35-05:00

Nothing

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Dec 3 at 2020 9:28 PM

2020-12-03T21:28:23-05:00

Big Deal-NOT! I had to get an additional page when it came time to identify/list scars at MEPS. All of you will look like shorn sheep after you leave the barbers anyway.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Dec 4 at 2020 9:09 AM

2020-12-04T09:09:57-05:00

Relax. It's just a scar. Sounds like you will be just fine

Response by SPC Christopher Combs made Dec 4 at 2020 11:52 AM

2020-12-04T11:52:29-05:00

Honestly if anyone questions it just say you had brain surgery or tell the truth. If you let it show that it bothers you it might encourage others to continue picking at the issue, if you show it doesn’t bother you then most will get bored with after a few hours or days. There is plenty during basic to keep you and everyone else busy. I have a scar on the back of head and I told everyone that’s where the microchip was implanted. That was pretty much the end of it.

Response by SGT Roland McHoes made Dec 4 at 2020 10:15 PM

2020-12-04T22:15:45-05:00

You'll probably get made fun of, just try your best to keep a straight face and let it roll off. If you get offended, then there will always be someone that gives you shit about it, and if you laugh, you'll never stop doing pushups for "thinking the Drill Sergeant is funny". Basic is supposed to find your weaknesses and build you into the beginnings of a Soldier. I was in a BMX wreck in high school that split my upper lip in half, the scar made me look like I was born with a cleft lip, so of course I got shit for "being born deformed". I just ignored it and didn't let it get to me, they didn't know that the scar actually came from a BMX crash, and they didn't care, they were just trying to figure out if I was sensitive getting made fun of about it.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Dec 7 at 2020 2:47 AM

2020-12-07T02:47:23-05:00

Is your scar smooth? I ask this because those barbers do NOT care about your head. Even without any bumps or creases on your head, you will probably STILL end up bloody. If your scar is raised / creased / dimpled / fleshy, it will VERY likely be caught in the clippers.

I had 11 staples in my head about a year and a half before I went to basic. It should have been about 45 stitches, but the ER was feeling lazy. BIG scar, healed poorly and unevenly. Every single time I went to the barber, it got caught and I was bleeding. BUT.... when I warned the barbers about it they DID slow down a LITTLE bit so that it was only MINOR bleeding. When I forgot to warn them (or on my first haircut, didn't know to warn them) I was bleeding a LOT.

Response by SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM made Nov 5 at 2022 9:47 PM

2022-11-05T21:47:57-04:00

Good Luck to you!

Response by Miriam Larson made Mar 9 at 2023 5:18 AM

2023-03-09T05:18:02-05:00

The medical staff may notice your scar, but it's unlikely to cause any significant problems. If you have concerns about the scar, you might consider reaching out to a hair restoration specialist, like this one, https://miamihairtransplantclinic.com , who can advise you on options for minimizing its appearance.
In any case, try not to stress too much about the scar. Focus on preparing for BCT and doing your best to meet the physical requirements of the program.

Response by Maria Mirabela made Mar 19 at 2023 4:44 AM

2023-03-19T04:44:13-04:00

It's possible that your recruiter's advice to "stick to the script" is simply a way to ensure that your medical history is handled appropriately by the MEPS doctors. That being said, if you have any concerns or questions about your scar and how it might affect your enlistment, it might be a good idea to speak with a medical professional who can provide more specific guidance. And if you're interested in exploring options for hair restoration, I highly recommend checking out Nova Medical Hair Transplant Florida https://goo.gl/maps/wqRwnyAEp4ejWQDk9 - they offer a range of advanced procedures that can help you look and feel your best.

Nova Medical Hair Transplant Florida · 2999 NE 191st St PH6B, Miami, FL 33180

Hair transplantation clinic

Response by PVT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2024 10:10 AM

2024-03-28T10:10:18-04:00

Hey there! First off, congrats on enlisting! It's totally normal to feel nervous, especially with something like your scar. Your recruiter's advice might seem a bit daunting, but they've got experience dealing with this stuff. Just be honest if asked, but don't stress too much. As for the scar, don't worry too much. People come into training with all sorts of things, and it's rarely a big deal. Plus, there are things like batana oil that can help with scars (check it out at https://batanabio.com). Keep your chin up, you've got this!