Scalp reduction is a surgical procedure in which the hairless region of the

scalp The scalp is the area of the head where head hair grows. It is made up of skin, layers of connective and fibrous tissues, and the membrane of the skull. Anatomically, the scalp is part of the epicranium, a collection of structures covering th ...

of a bald person is reduced. This procedure can reduce the area of the scalp in which

hair transplantation Hair transplantation is a surgery, surgical technique that removes hair follicles from one part of the body, called the 'donor site', to a bald or balding part of the body known as the 'recipient site'. The technique is primarily used to treat ...

is needed or even eliminate the need for hair transplantation.

History

Scalp reduction became very popular starting in the 1960s and, by the 1980s, was considered one of the most effective treatments for baldness. It is not commonly performed today, with around 5,000 men per year receiving hair transplantation instead of a full scalp reduction surgery. Scalp reduction may reduce the size of bald spots and treat baldness. The surgery can typically take 2–3 hours with around 250 hair

grafts Grafting refers to a surgical procedure to move tissue from one site to another on the body, or from another creature, without bringing its own blood supply with it. Instead, a new blood supply grows in after it is placed. A similar techniqu ...

, with cases of severe baldness involving around 1,000 hair grafts.

Candidates for surgery

* Hair loss due to genetics * Healthy scalp * Scalp elasticity * Donor hairs (healthy hairs on the side and back of the scalp) * Hair loss must be permanent

After care

* Do not use cheap

shampoo Shampoo () is a hair care product, typically in the form of a viscous liquid, that is formulated to be used for cleaning (scalp) hair. Less commonly, it is available in solid bar format. (" Dry shampoo" is a separate product.) Shampoo is use ...

or conditioner * Do not comb or brush the scalp * Listen to doctors instructions * Keep scalp moisturized * Stay out of direct sunlight * Do not pull the skin

Risks

* Swelling * Bleeding around skin flaps that were stretched * Numbness and throbbing * Rare case of infection * Temporary hair loss * Lack of blood flow and oxygen to the scalp tissue * Scalp thinning * Rare case of scarring * Grafted area may not look as expected

Associated cost

Pricing varies depending on the severity of the baldness. A straightforward scalp reduction procedure can cost over $2,000, with over $4,000 for a mild case, and up to $20,000 for a severe case of hair loss.

Health insurance

Health insurance will not pay for any type of hair loss surgery for cosmetic reasons, but they may elect to pay if the hair loss is caused by

alopecia areata Alopecia areata (AA), also known as spot baldness, is a condition in which hair loss, hair is lost from some or all areas of the body. It often results in a few Baldness, bald spots on the scalp, each about the size of a coin. Psychological st ...

, accidents, or burns. Many offices offer payment plans to cover the surgery.

Surgeons

Scalp reduction surgery is performed by a physician trained in plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery or

dermatology Dermatology is the branch of medicine dealing with the Human skin, skin.''Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary.'' Random House, Inc. 2001. Page 537. . It is a speciality with both medical and surgical aspects. A List of dermatologists, ...

. The surgery is performed in a hospital, outpatient office setting.

Alternatives

* Wig * Oral medication * Lotion that contains prescription Some recommend using lotions as a treatment for baldness before considering scalp reduction surgery.

Non-surgical hair restoration

Low-level laser therapy can act as a form of non-surgical hair restoration, using laser light to stimulate follicles on the scalp. This process not only makes hair grow but also thickens the hair, which can increase its appearance.

Hair loss

Hair loss is divided into the following:

Non scarring

* Alopecia areata *

Psoriasis Psoriasis is a long-lasting, noncontagious autoimmune disease characterized by patches of abnormal skin. These areas are red, pink, or purple, dry, itchy, and scaly. Psoriasis varies in severity from small localized patches to complete b ...

Scarring hair loss

Scleroderma Scleroderma is a group of autoimmune diseases that may result in changes to the skin, blood vessels, muscles, and internal organs. The disease can be either localized to the skin or involve other organs, as well. Symptoms may include areas ...

Lupus erythematosus is a collection of autoimmune diseases in which the human immune system becomes hyperactive and attacks healthy tissues. Symptoms of these diseases can affect many different body systems, including joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, heart, ...

Lichen planopilaris Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic inflammatory and autoimmune disease that affects the skin, nails, hair, and mucous membranes. It is not an actual lichen, but is named for its appearance. It is characterized by polygonal, flat-topped, violaceous p ...

* Bacterial or

Fungal Infection Fungal infection, also known as mycosis, is a disease caused by fungi. Different types are traditionally divided according to the part of the body affected: superficial, subcutaneous, and systemic. Superficial fungal infections include common ...

Genetic causes

* Male pattern hair loss *

Female pattern hair loss Pattern hair loss (also known as androgenetic alopecia (AGA)) is a hair loss condition that primarily affects the top and front of the scalp. In male-pattern hair loss (MPHL), the hair loss typically presents itself as either a receding front h ...

* 20% of alopecia areata cases are thought to be transferred by genetics

References

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External links

Hair Transplant
Scalp Plastic surgical procedures