Scalp Reduction in the Treatment of Androgenic Alopecia

In 1987, a document discussed the use of scalp reduction as a treatment for androgenic alopecia, a common form of hair loss in men. The procedure involved surgically removing bald areas of the scalp and stretching the remaining hair-bearing scalp to cover the removed area. It was typically used in advanced cases of baldness and its success depended on the elasticity and mobility of the scalp. The document provided detailed instructions on the procedure and post-operative care, and discussed several variations of the procedure, each with its own pros and cons. However, it also highlighted potential complications such as pain, bleeding, infection, and cosmetic issues like distortion of the bald area and decreased density of donor hair. The document emphasized the importance of careful case selection and preoperative study of hair growth direction.