Scalp Expansion Surgery to Treatment Hair Loss

Scalp Expansion Surgery is used by balloon-like devices (tissue expanders) are implanted under the hair-bearing sides and back of the scalp. These are gradually inflated over a four to twelve week period. This results in a great amount of loose hair-bearing tissue, allowing for massive scalp reductions or flap procedures. This technique works wonders in those patients with a large bald spot on the scalp and those who have a thick patch of hair growth along the side and the back of the scalp.

Scalp Expansion Surgery Procedure with Illustrate

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  1. Expanders fully inflated before surgical procedure.
  2. Incisions are made, the expanders are removed, bald scalp is cut out.
  3. Baldness reduced.

Costs of Scalp Expansion Surgery

$5,000 to $10,000 or more.

Scalp Expansion Surgery Advantages

  • 50% increase in the amount of bald scalp removed in scalp reduction
  • Fewer procedures are needed to accomplish a final result
  • Reduced "stretchback" of scalp skin and subsequent scarring
  • Reduced postoperative hair loss
  • Early development of postoperative scalp laxity

Scalp Expansion Surgery Side effects

  • Mild to severe pain during the first 24 hours after the scalp-expanding device is implanted
  • Occasional bruising or edema in scalp over the implanted device
  • Reduction in the number of donor grafts that can be harvested per session later for "fill-in"
  • Hair transplantation should this be needed to achieve the desired hair restoration goal
  • Postoperative scarring at the site where hair-bearing scalp is sutured together - most difficult to revise when the scar is a so-called "slot defect" the forms at the site where two previously non-adjacent scalp areas are now joined by suturing
  • Postoperative drainage and delayed wound healing for up to several weeks
  • Rarely, infection in the tissue around the implanted device

After Scalp Expansion Surgery

After scalp expanison surgery, you will have prescriptions for antibiotics to prevent infection and pain pills to control discomfort. Many patients do fine with acetaminophen (Tylenol) after surgery and do not require stronger medication.

You will probably have a gauze dressing on overnight to maintain pressure, minimize swelling, and absorb any drainage. It is normal to see a few drops of blood on the gauze. If you notice more than a few drops, or if the area of blood is increasing, call your doctor right away. The dressing usually is removed after 1 or 2 days, and sutures come out after 7 to 10 days.

Your hair expansion surgery may allow you to wash your hair after a few days. At this point, most peole return to work, if they haven't already. If desired, follicular unit grafts (grafts of 1 to 4 hairs) can be placed along the flap edge for a more natural appearance or to camouflage scars 6 weeks after your surgery.