Discussion of scalp reduction surgery.

Scalp reduction surgery involves removal of bald scalp and bringing the hair-bearing scalp closer to it to fill in the bald area on the scalp. In this operation the surgeon reduces the baldness by cutting out a segment of the bald scalp skin.

Scalp reduction surgery has two parts. In the first part the bald portion of the scalp is surgically removed and in another part hair-bearing scalp is upwardly stretched to replace the bald scalp that has been removed. Scalp reduction surgery is usually conducted on patients with posterior baldness.

Depending on the patient’s need, scalp reduction surgery may be conducted in combination with the surgical procedure called brow lifting. The latter is the procedure to remove the frown lines from the forehead and crow’s feet from around the eyes. In some patients this surgical procedure can be carried out through scalp extension or scalp expansion device. This technique stretches hair-bearing scalp skin providing greater coverage to bald areas of the scalp.

Scalp reduction surgery is more suitable for those patients with large areas of scalp baldness. The patient should also have donor hair on the sides and back of the scalp. Factors like the rapidity of hair loss progression and its likelihood of significantly progressing in the future are also to be taken into consideration. Scalp reduction surgery may not be a good choice for scalp skin with little laxity (stretching ability).

Scalp reduction surgery and hair transplant procedure

Scalp reduction surgery is often combined with hair transplantation. One objective of this combination may be to “fine tune” hair restoration in aesthetically sensitive areas, for example in the frontal hairline, which is not treated with scalp reduction. Scalp reduction surgery can be conducted before, during or after hair transplantation. The appropriate time is decided mainly by the need of the patient.

Scalp reduction technique

Choosing the right technique for a patient depends on various factors like degree of hair loss, laxity of the scalp, donor hair amount and quality and whether hair transplantation is a complimentary procedure. Scalp reduction surgery technique is largely a matter of the pattern of the scalp incision. Some patterns of scalp incision are “Y” pattern, “star” pattern and “lateral crescent” pattern.

Complications and side effects

There might be some minor complications and side effects of scalp reduction surgery. Some possible complications during and after the surgery include scarring at the suture lines, scalp skin “stretch back” at the excised bald area and central midline scar called slot deformity. Side effects of this hair restoration surgery include temporary discomfort, swelling and numbness in the operated area.