Scalp flap – cosmetic surgery remedy for baldness

Hair Procedures Plastic surgery scalp reduction

Scalp Reduction Surgery

Scalp Reduction - Definition

Scalp reduction surgery is a hair restoration procedure designed to reduce the size of the balding areas. In this procedure an ellipse of bald scalp is surgically removed, the remaining scalp is then stretched and sutured together. It is one of several solutions to cure hereditary male pattern baldness.

The Need for Scalp Reduction

Scalp reduction is another weapon in the battle against the appearance of baldness. In many cases, baldness is the result of genes and can not be controlled. In some men, baldness can appear as early as the teenage years and lead to embarrassment and low self esteem. A scalp reduction may be the answer to this problem. By taking advantage of the elastic properties of the skin, doctors are able to create more natural looking hairlines while using the hair that is already growing on the patient’s head.

Scalp Reduction Surgery - Consultation

Baldness is a major concern to many people and many expect perfect results. In the initial consultation, the patient and physician will discuss the goals of the patient, along with the realistic results that a physician can produce. It is necessary to have a frank discussion with the physician and look into the physician’s background as well. A qualified physician will be able to determine if a scalp reduction is the best option for the particular patient or other options such as scalp flap surgry or having permanent hair transplants. Some physicians will take ‘before’ photos so that the improvement can be judged during and following the surgery. A physician may also prescribe a pre-operative regimen of medication instructions, as well as urge the patient to quit smoking and drinking. If a patient’s body is not prepared for the surgery, then proper healing may not occur. It is imperative that a patient follow the advice of the physician so complications can be avoided.

The initial consultation is the opportunity for the patient to ask questions and decide on the level of anesthesia that he or she may need. It is also the place where a patient needs to be honest with the physician in terms of medical history and drug use. Anything that is not disclosed at the consultation may affect the outcome of the scalp reduction and even affect the health of the patient. When undergoing any procedure that involves anesthesia, some medications and illegal drugs can react in a dangerous way, so a patient must be sure to disclose anything that they may have ingested.

Scalp Reduction Surgery - Procedure

In a scalp reduction, the physician removes the area of baldness and stretches the remaining hair-covered area to cover this removed area. Most often performed on men with balding on the crown of their head, the scalp reduction can help to fill in the gaps that baldness has left. The effects are immediate and the look can last as long as the new hair follicles do. Usually performed under general anesthesia (although some cases can be performed with local anesthesia and sedation), the scalp reduction will be done in two steps. About four to six weeks prior to the actual procedure, the physician will begin to reroute arteries in the scalp so that the new hair will be able to be nourished. In the second step, the physician makes a Y shaped incision at the top back portion of the patient’s head. Skin will be removed from this area and then the skin is pulled and stitched together. Because the work is done in the growing hair, the scars should not be noticeable. Each stage of the scalp reduction can take three to four hours.

Scalp Reduction Surgery - Complications

As with any surgery, there is a risk of complications. The most often discussed with scalp reduction is the incompleteness of the hair movement. Improperly trained physicians may misjudge the scalp and leave a gap in the hair line. This type of complication can be repaired by having hair transplants. Infection and bleeding are also concerns as there are incisions that have been made in the scalp during the scalp reduction. And the use of general anesthesia can also cause side effects that need to be discussed with a physician prior to the scalp reduction.

Scalp Reduction Surgery - Aftereffects

Following the surgery, patients may experience some pain; this will vary from patient to patient. Pain medication can be given to provide the patient some comfort as the skin adjusts to its new position. Swelling as well as numbness can also be experienced by the patient following a scalp reduction. These effects are temporary and will diminish within a few days of the procedure. Most patients can return to work within five days of the scalp reduction. Scabbing is also normal.

In the long term, scalp flap patients can expect a lifelong improvement of their hair’s appearance. Although aging may continue to change a man’s hairline, scalp flaps can help to avoid any major changes in the future.