Scalp Reduction Surgery - Hair Loss

Scalp Reduction Surgery Overview

One of the less-heralded surgical procedures that helps patients with hair loss problems is scalp reduction surgery. Although this surgery is overlooked and has been somewhat overshadowed by more “modern” procedures in recent years, scalp reduction is being rediscovered and is being used more than ever. Below you’ll find an overview of this surgery, and if you have more specific questions, please contact a medical professional immediately for a consultation.

Background of Scalp Reduction Surgery
The background of scalp reduction surgery dates back to the early 1970’s, and the procedure was most popular in the 1970’s and 1980’s. However, scalp reduction was not used very often with the onset of hair transplant surgery, but recent developments have allowed scalp reduction to be used in conjunction with hair transplant surgery with extremely positive results.

Best Candidates for Scalp Reduction Surgery
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.

Uncertainty and Risk
There is uncertainty and risk involved with scalp reduction, as is the case with any surgery. General risks include infections, bleeding and swelling, but 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.

Planning for Scalp Reduction Surgery
Planning for surgery involves the “little” things that surround a surgical procedure. Specifically, you’ll need to make sure that your schedule allows a sufficient amount of time for recovery and that the logistical details, including a ride home from the procedure, are handled before reporting for your procedure.

Preparing for Surgery
Preparing for surgery involves more specific steps of preparation that come from your doctor. Specifically, preparing for surgery involves making sure that your diet and alcohol intake are proper, that you have gotten enough rest prior to the surgery and that you stop smoking for a period of time both before and after the procedure.

Where Scalp Reduction Surgery is Performed
Generally speaking, scalp reduction surgery is performed either at an outpatient care facility or at the doctor’s office if it’s equipped to handle such procedures. Your doctor will explain to you where surgery is performed to aid in your overall planning.

How Surgery is Performed
How surgery is performed is quite standard. The doctor will generally make one of two types of incisions into the patient’s scalp, and this incision is made in the middle of the scalp. The pattern of the incision is known as either the “football” incision or the “Mercedes” incision, and each term describes the shape of this incision.

Anesthesia
Scalp reduction surgery requires only local anesthesia, as the patient does not need to be unconscious for the procedure to go well. The patient will feel some tightness and pulling on the scalp during surgery, but will generally feel either little or no pain.

Post-Op Considerations
The post-op considerations regarding scalp reduction surgery are quite standard in nature. Basically, the patient needs to rest for a few days in order to allow the incision to heal, and he or she should avoid overly-strenuous activities that could lead to swelling and/or bleeding in the affected area.

Overall, scalp reduction surgery is still a common and successful procedure. If you’d like to know how this procedure could help you, contact a medical professional today for a full consultation.

Scalp Reduction Candidacy

If you’re considering the possibilities that scalp reduction surgery could bring to your overall look and your life in general, you are surely encountering questions as you research the topic. The first topic to consider is whether or not this surgery is right for you, and along those lines, a few common questions tend to arise. These questions include, “How can I tell if I’m a good candidate for scalp reduction?”, “How will I be evaluated for scalp reduction?” and “Will my insurance help offset the costs of surgery?” Each of these questions is answered below, but for particularized answers, see a medical professional for a consultation.

How can I tell if I’m a good candidate for scalp reduction?
The best candidates for this procedure are those patients with very loose skin in their balding area. There are measuring techniques that can be utilized to demonstrate how much tissue can be removed even before such a procedure is contemplated. Careful measurement allows the doctor and patient to make as accurate a prediction as possible in regards to the results of this surgery.

How will I be evaluated for scalp reduction?
The most important evaluation component relating to scalp reduction is the amount of elasticity or “looseness” of your scalp. If you have excess skin, it will be possible to remove that skin and therefore create a look that includes a much smaller bald spot. Patients with very tight scalps are generally not good candidates for this procedure. You’ll also be given a full and basic medical evaluation to make sure that there are no underlying health risks that could create problems for the patient after the procedure.

Will my insurance help offset the costs of scalp reduction surgery?
This is always a complicated question, and the best strategy for finding an answer is to first speak to your doctor and then to communicate with your insurance carrier. General guidelines to consider involve whether or not a procedure is considered “medically necessary” or “elective” in nature. Insurance companies will usually cover those procedures that are medically necessary, but not those that are elective.

Make sure to clearly communicate the particulars of your procedure and why you’re having it done to your carrier, and document any correspondence or communication between you and your insurance company. The best way to avoid controversy and stress subsequent to your surgery is to make sure you have a clear answer beforehand.

Overall, three of the most common questions involving candidacy for scalp reduction surgery are, “How can I tell if I’m a good candidate for scalp reduction?”, “How will I be evaluated for scalp reduction?” and “Will my insurance help offset the costs of surgery?” If you’d like to find out how your specific situation would fit into the benefits that this procedure provide, make sure to contact a medical professional immediately for a full consultation.

Scalp Reduction Surgery Information

As you continue your research into scalp reduction surgery, one of the aspects of research that you need to perform involves the specifics of the procedure itself. As such, you are probably formulating questions in your mind in respect to what actually happens during this procedure. Three of the most common questions in this regard are, “Where are incisions placed for scalp reduction surgery?”, “What are some variations to the common scalp reduction method?” and “What are some of the risks associated with scalp reduction?” Each of these questions is answered below, but for more specific information, contact a medical professional immediately.

Where are incisions placed for scalp reduction surgery?
There is generally only one incision cut in a scalp reduction surgery, and this incision is placed at the top of the scalp. After the incision is cut, the loose skin is removed and the remaining skin is attached, creating a much smaller bald spot on the scalp of the patient.

What are some variations to the common scalp reduction method?
The only real variation to the common scalp reduction method involves the shape of the incision that’s cut. Some doctors prefer a “football” incision, indicating an oblong shape for the incision. Other doctors prefer the “Mercedes” cut, whereby the incision resembles the Mercedes logo. Your doctor will most likely explain which incision will be used, but if he or she does not, do not hesitate to ask.

What are some of the risks associated with scalp reduction?
Although, statistically speaking, the risks associated with scalp reduction are minimal, there are risks to consider. Aside from the common risks that are in place with any procedure, including infections, swelling and bleeding, scalp reduction surgery carries specific risks. Examples of these risks include “stretch back,” which occurs when a patient’s scalp stretches and results in another bald spot, reduced scalp elasticity and scarring in the affected areas.

Overall, three of the most common questions patients ask in regards to scalp reduction surgery include, “Where are incisions placed for scalp reduction surgery?”, “What are some variations to the common scalp reduction method?” and “What are some of the risks associated with scalp reduction?” If you’re looking for specific answers to these questions or others, please contact an experienced medical professional today for a complete consultation.

Preperation and Recovery - Scalp Reduction Surgery

Two integral components to any successful surgical procedure are preparation and recovery. As such, several questions are quite common as patients begin the process of learning about these aspects of their potential surgery. Examples of these questions include, “What steps should I take to prepare for surgery?”, “What can I expect the day of surgery to be like?”, “How will I look and feel immediately following the surgery?”, “When can I pursue my normal activities again?” and “How long can I expect results to last?” Each of these questions is answered below, but for more specific responses, contact a medical professional for a consultation.

What steps should I take to prepare for surgery?
Your preparatory steps for surgery will be provided by your doctor, but you need to make sure to follow them. General steps that your doctor will provide include planning in regards to your diet, handling any medication you’re currently taking, your alcohol intake and the cessation of smoking before and after your procedure.

What can I expect the day of surgery to be like?
The day of your surgery will involve an entire range of emotions. You’ll feel a combination of fear, anxiety, excitement, happiness, giddiness and even some euphoria. One thing to keep in mind is that this is totally normal. You’ll barely remember your surgery, even though you’ll technically be awake, and before you know it, you’ll be recovering. Basically, the day of your surgery will be a whirlwind of emotion and activity.

How will I look and feel immediately following the surgery?
Immediately following your surgery, you’ll most likely feel groggy as you recover from the procedure. You will have a bandage on your head, and you’ll likely feel stiff and sore in the surgical area. Again, this is normal, and these issues are always handled with medication.

When can I pursue my normal activities again?
The answer to this question depends on your personal definition of “normal activities.” If you’re a long distance runner or a weight lifter, you’ll need to abstain from these strenuous activities for a few weeks, as physical stress increases the blood flow to the scalp, which could cause bleeding and/or swelling. Otherwise, you should be back on your feet and back into your routine within a week.

How long can I expect results to last?
Your results should last quite some time, but everyone’s timetable for success is different. If your scalp begins to loosen after a period of time, you may need to report to the doctor for an additional procedure. However, most patients have reported years of satisfactory results.

Overall, examples of common questions patients ask in regards to preparation for and recovery from scalp reduction surgery include, “What steps should I take to prepare for surgery?”, “What can I expect the day of surgery to be like?”, “How will I look and feel immediately following the surgery?”, “When can I pursue my normal activities again?” and “How long can I expect results to last?” If you’d like to find out how your situation fits into the potential benefits of this procedure, please contact a medical professional immediately for a full consultation.