Scalp Reduction Surgery to Treatment Hair Loss - 1

Scalp Reduction Surgery is popular in the 1970s and 80s, demand for it has slowed with the advancement of follicular unit hair grafting techniques. However scalp reduction and scalp flaps surgeries can be used in combination to some patients with extensive hair loss may not have enough hair to transplant satisfactorily. Scalp Reduction Surgery comprises the removal of bald section from the scalp. The residual scalp portions are carefully put together like a curtain and stitched to close the incision. To conceal the scars sometimes, Scalp reduction is combined with micrografting techniques.

Scalp reduction surgery is an effective baldness solution for treating anyone who has male pattern balding due to hormones and genetics, but not from medications, stress, severe illness, malnourishment, and infections. It involves surgically removing a portion of the balding area, which causes the bald spot to be smaller. This means that there are fewer areas to graft to the head during a hair transplant.

Scalp Reduction Surgery Procedure

Though once quite popular, scalp reductions are rarely performed anymore.

 Scalp Reduction 1     Scalp Reduction 2     Scalp Reduction 3

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  1. Bald scalp within dotted line is excised, scalp edge are stitch in place
  2. Potential result after 1-2 scalp reduction, further reduction may be done
  3. Hair grafts fill in the remaining bald area, creating a natural appearance

Costs of Scalp Reduction Surgery

A scalp reduction can cost anywhere from $1,500 - $3,500 but this varies from surgeon to surgeon and according to where they practice. There may be additional costs such as anesthesia, operating room facility, prescription medicines, etc.

Scalp Reduction Surgery Risks or Side Effects

As with all surgeries, there is always a possibility of complications following scalp surgery including infection, bleeding, a reaction to the anesthesia, hematoma, seroma, nerve damage and the occurrence of asymmetries or irregularities. Scalp reduction patients may develop slot deformity, an unnatural appearing dent in the scalp.

The another specific risks associated with scalp reduction include the stretching of the "new" scalp which results in another bald spot, scarring and reduced donor density, meaning that if a hair transplant is ever required to fill in additional bald spots, there will be less "material" to work with for that procedure.

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