Scalp Reduction Surgery
This procedure is simply the surgical removal of bald skin. The idea of reducing the amount of bald skin in one or more procedures prior to a transplant is a logical choice for some individuals. This surgery is generally aimed at reducing much of the balding crown area. Since the amount of bald skin is less, the number of grafts required to cover the residual bald area would be significantly reduced as well. This procedure will generally result in greater density in the crown area. In skilled hands, this procedure can be very effective.
Good candidates for this procedure are older patients with stable male pattern balding, good skin elasticity, and good density on the back and sides of the head. The follicle-bearing skin is elevated upward to cover the bald skin that is to be excised. This can be repeated one or more times, in the proper candidates, to excise much of the balding crown area.
There are several types or techniques for the procedure, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Each procedure or combination of procedures must be individualized to each patient’s needs. A candidate must be motivated to await the healing of one or more procedures prior to the transplant surgery with the overall goal of significantly higher density coverage over the top and crown of the head.
Side effects of the surgery can include pain, swelling and numbness. Varying degrees of numbness generally resolve over time, but may be permanent. Discomfort and pain can be prominent, especially in the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery. Problems with scarring or some degree of "stretch back" of the bald area is not common, but can occur.
Contact our office if you are interested in any of the procedures we offer.
Eyebrow Transplants
Eyebrows can be grafted or enhanced with acutely angled, single-follicle grafts. An artistic eye is needed to recreate the shape, length, and arch of the eyebrow. Understanding the changing directions of the eyebrow hairs as their positions change is also vital to achieve a natural result. Understand that frequent trimming is required as these hairs will continue to grow as they would on the back or sides of the head. Eyebrow transplants may tend to be thicker or fuller than natural eyebrows, and at times may be somewhat "unruly," especially if not kept carefully trimmed.
