TLDR Scalp reconstruction is complex and aims to restore function and appearance after damage.
The document reviewed the challenges and techniques involved in reconstructive surgery of the scalp, particularly following tumor resection, trauma, alopecia, or irradiation. It highlighted the importance of the reconstructive ladder as a surgical guide for planning coverage, while emphasizing the need to consider the scalp's biomechanical properties and tensile behavior due to the galea aponeurotica. The review noted that scalp reconstruction served both functional and cosmetic purposes, with hair restoration being a secondary step to improve cosmetic appearance, adjust the anterior hairline, camouflage incision lines, or reconstruct eyebrows.
Plucked hair follicles grow faster than conventional ones, making them a potentially better option for hair transplants.
9 citations
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November 2008 in “Facial Plastic Surgery” Effective scalp reconstruction requires a wide range of surgical skills and an understanding of hair biology.
26 citations
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July 2006 in “Current Opinion in Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery” New techniques in scalp reconstruction have improved cosmetic results and reduced complications, especially for large defects.
31 citations
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September 1999 in “Dermatologic Surgery” Cooling hair micrografts during transplantation does not improve their survival or growth.
11 citations
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January 1999 in “Dermatologic Surgery” Scalp extenders improve the results of scalp reduction for baldness but can cause severe headaches.
22 citations
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December 1998 in “Dermatologic Surgery” A new storage solution may increase hair transplant graft survival.
28 citations
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May 1998 in “Skin Research and Technology” Scalp flaps are stiffer than skin from other body areas, which helps in planning reconstructive and cosmetic head surgeries.
10 citations
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January 2011 in “Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery” Surgical methods for hair loss are less common than hair transplants but still useful, especially for scarring hair loss.
The conclusion is that closing scalp wounds is possible, but restoring hair without donor material is still a major challenge.
17 citations
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May 2013 in “Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinics of North America” The document concludes that careful surgical methods and choosing the right materials are key for successful scalp, skull, and frontal sinus reconstruction.
8 citations
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March 2009 in “Aesthetic Plastic Surgery” The "flying-wings" scalp flap technique is a simple, safe, and effective way to reconstruct large areas of scalp loss in children.
January 2012 in “Elsevier eBooks” Hair transplantation is highly effective with careful technique and attention to patient needs.
