ok you do not need a transplant
you should most likely have a full recovery (but cannot guarantee that however i feel you are in the best place possible to get help)
1 stop the pony tails
2 massage the scalp deeply every day for several minutes get in there deep like you are trying to loosen the scalp from the skull (in fact afterwards it should feel looser)
wash your hair 2-3 times a week with a dread shampoo
your situations bad, but, we have seen far worse recover
it will take time, but should hopefully have a full recovery
i'll have our best expert advise as well
--
30 years growing dreadlocks the natural way
My dreads are over 10 feet long
also on the board of, and a student glider pilot with freedoms wings international - soaring for people with disabilities