Hair Loss Restoration Techniques

Scalp Reduction

Scalp reduction reduces the balding area by removing segments of the bald scalp and stretching the hair-bearing scalp to a higher position. Devices similar to balloons can be inserted under the scalp and slowly increased in size to stretch the scalp. The bald scalp area can then be surgically reduced, giving the patient a fuller head of hair.

When used with hair grafts, scalp reductions decrease the area for hair grafting. Scalp reductions do not, by themselves, produce the cosmetic result of grafts or flaps, but aid in coverage and styling situations. Some doctors feel that scalp reduction has a high risk-to-benefit.

Scalp Flap Surgery

Scalp flap surgery is about moving entire segments of hair bearing scalp into a bald area. A benefit can be that a dense hairline is immediately reconstructed after just one operation. It involves taking a very long and narrow peninsula of hair bearing scalp which extends from the temple to the back of the head and rotating it approximately 90° from its original position to a new place at the hairline. This provides an instantaneous hairline reconstruction not available with other techniques.

Patients with frontal baldness exclusively, are the best candidates since reconstruction of the hairline is the primary goal of this procedure. More extensively bald men may also benefit from this procedure with proper planning.

A different type of scalp flap, called a scalp lift, is very useful for treating hair loss in the crown of the scalp. This procedure involves moving the fringe hair on the sides and on the back, upward towards the center of the bald area in a U-shaped pattern. Used in combination with hair transplantation, a patient with significant hair loss can achieve excellent hair restoration results.

The potential risks and complications include scarring, poor hair direction, loss of flap viability, greater bleeding and greater discomfort. Because of the explosion in hair transplantation technology and the superb results that can be achieved with hair transplantation, few surgeons any longer elect to learn scalp flap procedures.

As with any surgical procedure, hair transplantation, scalp reduction or expansion and scalp flap procedures present certain risks, including scarring and infection. If you are considering one of these treatments, discuss the risks with your doctor.