Scalp Alopecia Reconstruction
January 2010
TLDR Redistributing existing hair is the best solution for scalp alopecia.
The document discussed scalp alopecia reconstruction, emphasizing the need for full-thickness soft tissue coverage for functional purposes and hair restoration for aesthetic purposes. It highlighted that the ideal solution for scalp alopecia was the redistribution of the remaining hair-bearing scalp, as the number of hair follicles is fixed after birth. Traditional techniques faced challenges in correcting defects up to 3-5 cm in width due to tension and "stretch-back" issues. When local scalp flaps were insufficient, distant flaps were used to meet functional demands. Hair grafting was considered for cosmetic purposes, but it was less effective on unstable scars or thin skin grafts due to high risks of poor hair growth.
