G E Seery1. 1. Hair Transplantation Clinic of Sacramento, California 95825, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Unsightly scars, stretch-back, and stretch atrophy are common complications of scalp reduction. OBJECTIVE: To remove as much bald scalp as possible while preserving normal tissue integrity (e.g., thickness, vascularity) and cosmesis. METHODS: Surgical innovations anchor scalp reduction I & II, use pericranial flaps as aids to facilitate maximal reduction while limiting postoperative distraction vector forces responsible for stretch-back, stretch-atrophy, and wide scars. RESULTS: Anchor scalp reduction I consistently results in fine barely perceptible scars. Anchor scalp reduction II enables maximal bald area reduction while minimizing the incidence of stretch-back and wide scars. CONCLUSIONS: Anchor scalp reduction I is a simple innovation recommended for suturing scalp incisions where the primary objective is a fine barely discernible scar, e.g., in plastic surgery or neurosurgery. Anchor scalp reduction II is preferred for hair restoration procedures where the primary objective is maximizing reduction while minimizing stretch-back and stretch atrophy.
BACKGROUND: Unsightly scars, stretch-back, and stretch atrophy are common complications of scalp reduction. OBJECTIVE: To remove as much bald scalp as possible while preserving normal tissue integrity (e.g., thickness, vascularity) and cosmesis. METHODS: Surgical innovations anchor scalp reduction I & II, use pericranial flaps as aids to facilitate maximal reduction while limiting postoperative distraction vector forces responsible for stretch-back, stretch-atrophy, and wide scars. RESULTS:Anchor scalp reduction I consistently results in fine barely perceptible scars. Anchor scalp reduction II enables maximal bald area reduction while minimizing the incidence of stretch-back and wide scars. CONCLUSIONS:Anchor scalp reduction I is a simple innovation recommended for suturing scalp incisions where the primary objective is a fine barely discernible scar, e.g., in plastic surgery or neurosurgery. Anchor scalp reduction II is preferred for hair restoration procedures where the primary objective is maximizing reduction while minimizing stretch-back and stretch atrophy.