Postoperative Alopecia Following Orthognathic Surgery

The document discusses a case of postoperative alopecia, a condition characterized by localized hair loss due to pressure-induced ischemia of hair follicles, which occurred in a 37-year-old female patient after orthognathic surgery. The patient underwent a 5-hour surgery with her head positioned on a foam doughnut, and experienced a bald spot at the occipital region three weeks post-surgery, which resolved after six months. Postoperative alopecia is usually temporary, with hair growth returning in 1 to 3 months, but rare cases of permanent hair loss have been reported. The condition can be minimized by proper head positioning and repositioning during surgery, although it can still occur even with precautions. Treatment involves reassurance and, in cases of permanent hair loss, may require surgical intervention such as local flaps, tissue expansion, or hair transplantation. The document emphasizes the importance of maxillofacial surgeons being aware of postoperative alopecia and taking steps to prevent it.