Scalp Reductions
for Crown Hair Loss |
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Although popular in the 1970s and 80s and 90s, demand
for scalp reduction surgery has slowed with the advancement
of follicular unit hair grafting techniques. Fewer
doctors perform this procedure today as many feel
the results offer a low reward. In fact, many hair
transplant doctors today are offering to repair any
bad appearance caused by scalp reduction surgery with
follicular unit hair grafts.
Scalp Reduction
Surgery is only performed on the crown, and
is not suitable for mid-anterior, frontal, or
temple hair loss.
For a few select men, a combination of Scalp
Reduction Surgery with Follicular Hair Grafts
might produce the most optimum results. However,
fewer doctors perform this procedure and potential
patients may want to seek a recommendation from
the International Society of Hair Restoration
Surgeons.
"The idea of reducing the amount
of bald scalp prior to hair transplantation
surgery is logical. Since the amount of bald
scalp is less, the number of grafts required
to cover the residual bald area would be significantly
reduced as well. In skilled hands, scalp reduction
can be very effective." - International
Society of Hair Restoration Surgeons
The Procedure: Scalp reduction surgery is performed
on the crown or vertex area of the head and
never the frontal area. As it's name implies,
a portion of the bald scalp area is removed
then pulled together and sutured - thereby decreasing
the amount of bald area to be covered with hair
grafts. The best candidates are men with a clear
bald spot on the vertex or crown.
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The area of the bald scalp to be removed can be done
so in a variety of patterns with the Y pattern being
the most common. An area two to five centimeters wide
can be removed during a single scalp reduction procedure.
Scalp reduction surgery can be repeated after several
months when the skin has regained some of it's elasticity
from the initial procedure. A simple procedure known
as scalp extension can speed up the time between surgeries.
As with any cosmetic surgery, scalp reduction surgery
has it's drawbacks. When the balding area is reduced
and sutured together, a thin scar will appear where
the scalp was sutured together. Furthermore, due to
the incredible elasticity of skin, the bald area may
reappear if the skin loses it's "tighter fit."
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