Aesthetic Considerations in Scalp Reconstruction
February 2008
in “
Facial Plastic Surgery
”
scalp reconstruction alopecia primary wound repair secondary intention healing skin grafts local tissue flaps regional myocutaneous flaps microvascular free flaps latissimus dorsi flap tension-free closure hairline hair transplantation follicular unit transplantation hair loss hair grafts hair flaps hair transplants FUT
TLDR The article concludes that microvascular free flaps, especially the latissimus dorsi flap, are recommended for large scalp reconstructions, and hair transplantation offers high survival rates and excellent aesthetic results.
In the 2008 article, the authors reviewed scalp reconstruction techniques, focusing on aesthetic outcomes such as maintaining the hairline and avoiding alopecia. They discussed various methods including primary wound repair, secondary intention healing, skin grafts, local tissue flaps, regional myocutaneous flaps, and microvascular free flaps, with the latter being recommended for large or complex defects. The importance of considering the wound's etiology, prior treatments, and associated defects was emphasized, as well as the need for tension-free closure and careful handling of the hairline. The latissimus dorsi flap was noted as the most commonly used microvascular free flap, and while free flaps generally cause alopecia, the result is aesthetically acceptable. Secondary hair restoration techniques such as hair transplantation, particularly follicular unit transplantation, were favored for creating appropriate hair density and orientation with a high survival rate, producing excellent aesthetic results in one to three sessions.
