Miniflap Hair Restoration
March 1998
in “
Dermatologic Surgery
”
Studysummary In this study, miniflap scalp reconstruction with a staged scalp-lifting procedure showed excellent flap viability, acceptable scarring, and customizable hair direction, offering a preferred option for hair relocation in selected cases. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.
In 1998, Steven Burres, MD, conducted a study on a new hair restoration method called "Miniflap Hair Restoration". The study involved 13 patients and 29 flaps were rotated. The method aimed to shorten the traditional, lengthy process of flap reconstruction of the scalp and reduce the risk of flap compromise. The process involved a two-step, scalp-lifting procedure to reduce the width of bald scalp to be spanned. The results showed excellent flap viability and acceptable interflap scarring. Hair direction was readily adapted to the patients' desires. However, the author noted potential hair loss in the flaps and a widening of baldness in the crown, suggesting the Juri flap method as a quicker and less risky alternative. Despite these criticisms, the author commended the creative thinking behind the process, which combined early hair restoration with scalp-lifting and conserved hair-bearing scalp for future hair transfer procedures.
