Scalp reduction
SpecialtyPlastic surgeon

Scalp reduction is a surgical procedure in which the hairless region of the scalp of a bald man is reduced. This procedure can reduce the area of the scalp in which hair transplantation is needed, or even eliminate the need for hair transplantation.[1][2]

History

Scalp reduction became very popular in the 1960s through the 1980s and was one of the best treatments for baldness. It is not commonly performed today, however about 5,000 men a year will receive hair transplantation[3] instead of a full scalp reduction surgery.[4] Scalp reduction may reduce the size of bald spots and treat baldness. The surgery usually takes about 2–3 hours with around 250 hair grafts and in cases of severe baldness, surgery may involve around 1,000 hair grafts.[3]

Candidates for surgery

  • hair loss due to genetics
  • healthy scalp
  • scalp elasticity
  • donor hairs ( healthy hairs on the side and back of scalp)[4]
  • must have permanent hair loss

After care

  • do not use cheap shampoo or conditioner
  • do not comb or brush scalp
  • listen to doctors instructions
  • keep scalp moisturized
  • stay out of sun because of the UV rays
  • do not pull skin
  • try not to stress because it can be harmful to the growth of your hair

Risk

  • swelling
  • bleeding around skin flaps that were stretched
  • numbness and throbbing
  • rare case of infection
  • temporary hair loss
  • lack of blood flow and oxygen to the scalp tissue
  • scalp thinning
  • rare case of scarring
  • grafted area may not look as expected [5]

Associated cost

Pricing varies on how severe your baldness is, it costs well over 2,000 dollars for a straight forward scalp reduction procedure [6] 4,000 dollars for a mild case but scalp reduction can cost up to 20,000 dollars for a severe case of hair loss that can be treated.

Health insurance

Health insurance will not pay for any type of hair loss surgery for cosmetic reasons, but they may elect to pay if the hair loss is caused by Alopecia areata,[7] accidents, or burns. Many offices offer payment plans to cover the surgery.

Surgeons

Scalp reduction surgery is performed by a physician trained in plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery or dermatology. The surgery is performed in a hospital, outpatient office setting.

Alternatives

  • wig
  • oral medication
  • lotion that contains prescription

Lotions that contain Rogaine or finasteride may lead to hair growth in some patients. Rogaine grows fuzz on the crown of the head and finasteride tends to grow actual hairs on the crown of the head. Some recommend the use of lotions treatment to treat baldness before considering scalp reduction surgery.

Non-surgical hair restoration

Low level laser therapy is a form of non surgical hair restoration, this hair growth therapy uses laser light to stimulate follicles on the scalp this process not only makes hair grow but it also thickens the hair which will increase the appearance of the hair.

Hair loss

Haird loss is divided into the following:[8][9]

Non scarring

  • Alopecia areata
  • Psoriasis

Scarring hair loss

  • Scleroderma
  • Lupus erthythematous
  • Lichen planopilaris
  • Bacterial or fungal infection

Genetic causes

  • male pattern hair loss
  • female pattern hair loss
  • 20% of alopecia areata cases are thought to be transferred by genetics

References

  1. ↑ Bell, M. L. (February 1982). "Role of scalp reduction in the treatment of male pattern baldness". Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 69 (2): 272–7. doi:10.1097/00006534-198202000-00016. PMID 7054796. S2CID 20731930.
  2. ↑ Unger, Martin G.; Toscani, Marco (2016). "Scalp reduction". In Scuderi, Nicolò; Toth, Bryant A. (eds.). International Textbook of Aesthetic Surgery. Springer. pp. 555–556. doi:10.1007/978-3-662-46599-8. ISBN 978-3-662-46598-1. Retrieved 7 December 2016.
  3. 1 2 "Gale - Institution Finder".
  4. 1 2 "Scalp Reduction Surgery: Recovery, Risks, Causes & Remedies". Skin Examine. 2018-08-09. Retrieved 2019-05-07.
  5. ↑ "Gale - Product Login". galeapps.gale.com.
  6. ↑ Huxley, Dan. "Scalp Reduction Surgery For Hair Loss". Consulting Room. Retrieved 2019-05-14.
  7. ↑ "Alopecia areata", Wikipedia, 2019-05-14, retrieved 2019-05-14
  8. ↑ "Gale - Institution Finder".
  9. ↑ "Skinoza Hair Clinic". www.skhair.co.uk. Retrieved 2021-08-18.
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