Scalp Reduction Surgery to Treatment Hair Loss - 2

Are you a good candidate for Scalp Reduction Surgery?

  1. The best candidates for scalp reduction surgery are those patients who have experienced a large amount of hair loss.
    If a patient has only lost a small amount of hair, transplant surgery may be the best option. Those patients with significant hair loss should also have a thick body of hair remaining around the perimeter of the scalp so that the "new" hair grows in with a full look.

  2. Scalp reduction procedures may also be used to repair the appearance of a person who has suffered a traumatic injury to part of the scalp, for example from an automobile accident or fire.
    Sometimes scalp reductions are performed on those who suffer chronically inflamed scalps as a result of artificial hair implants. In these cases, the severely damaged portion of scalp is removed, and the adjacent scalp is pulled together and sutured to close the opening.
hair loss

How to prepare for Scalp Reduction Surgery?

Your doctor will give you specific instructions to prepare for surgery but here are some general guidelines :

  • Massaging your own scalp gently a couple of times each day for several weeks before surgery will allow for greater bald scalp to be removed during a simple reduction procedure. The general pattern of the massage is to knead the scalp up.
  • Avoid aspirin, any aspirin containing medication or any other non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAID), such as Motrin?or Advil? for two weeks prior to treatment. Because aspirin thins the blood, it can interfere with normal blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding and bruising.
  • Smoking inhibits the healing process, so stop smoking before your procedure and if you start again, make sure it is after you are completely healed.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol a few days before your surgery.
  • Make sure to follow any fasting instructions the night before and morning of your surgery. Your doctor may insist on an empty stomach depending on the type of anesthesia.
  • Make sure that you arrange for someone to bring you home and to help you out for 24 hours after surgery.

Are there alternatives to Scalp Reduction Surgery?

Other methods of hair restoration include scalp reduction and scalp flap procedures, but they do not have the same restorative effect, especially in terms of filling in the hairline. Alternatives to surgery are oral medications such as Finasteride (Systemic), sold under the brand name Propecia or topical solutions such as Minoxidil, sold under the brand name Rogaine. Minoxidil stimulates new hair growth, while finasteride slows the rate of hair loss.

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