Other Hair Loss Surgeries - Hair Loss treatment
There are other forms of surgery for hair loss even though a hair transplant is the most popular choice of treatment. They tend to treat smaller areas of hair loss, especially those which are located right at the back of the head.
These other types of surgery can be cheaper or less time consuming than hair transplant surgery but the choice is up to you.
There are 3 alternatives for you to choose from which are:
- Scalp reduction
- Scalp stretching
- Scalp flap surgery
Scalp reduction surgery is performed to restore hair to the back of the head. It is carried out under a local anaesthetic and involves removing a patch of skin from the bald area. The remaining skin is then stretched tight over the area and closed with a series of stitches.
This results in a small scalp area with healthy follicles that will trigger new hair growth.
Scalp stretching surgery is ideal for small bald areas in the middle of the scalp. The idea behind this procedure is that skin with healthy follicles is stretched across those areas of the scalp which are no longer able to produce hair growth.
It involves the insertion of a balloon-type device under a healthy area of the scalp which is nearest to the area to be treated. This balloon is injected with a saline solution which helps to expand this area. This prevents it from functioning as normal.
The balloon is removed and the non-functioning skin cut away. The healthy area of skin is lifted and stretched across this gap and closed with stitches.
Once this is healed, new hair will start to grow in this area.
Scalp flap surgery can be more effective than scalp reduction or scalp stretching at treating large areas of hair loss. Plus it has an advantage over hair transplant surgery in that it can replace the same amount of hair loss as a transplant but in just a single procedure.
It involves removing an area of the scalp which shows hair loss which will be covered with new healthy skin. This healthy part of the scalp is lifted, still with blood vessels attached and stitched tightly over the exposed area.
This enables those blood vessels to have access to the hair follicles in that flap of skin which helps to nourish them and trigger new hair growth.
This procedure can be performed as a stand-lone treatment or in combination with scalp reduction or scalp stretching surgery. And it works equally well in conjunction with hair transplant surgery which can lead to a natural and full head of hair.
Are there any side effects of these treatments?
There are risks with any type of surgery and these are no different. Scalp reduction, scalp stretching and scalp flap surgeries are all tried and tested procedures which are safe and effective. But there is a small risk of complications which include:
- Swelling
- Pain
- Numbness
- Scarring
Painkillers can be taken following this procedure which will control any pain or discomfort.
Your GP or hair specialist will discuss the risks and benefits of each of these procedures with you. This will enable you to make an informed decision about which one is right for you and your condition.
Hair Loss treatments Guide Index:
- Treatment for hair loss
- Scalp massage for hair loss
- Wigs for hair loss
- Medicine for hair loss
- Infra-red and Ultra-violet light treatments for hair loss
- Electrical pulse treatment for hair loss
- Hair transplant surgery for hair loss
- Other surgery for hair loss
- Future treatment for hair loss
Hair Loss
- Hair Loss Guide
- Trichology
- Hair Structure Guide
- Male hair loss Guide
- Female Hair Loss Guide
- Hair care Guide
- Hair Loss treatments Guide
- Wigs Guide
- Hair Loss Treatment Prices
- FAQS About Hair Loss
- Glossary for Hair loss
- Hair Transplant Surgery
- What is a Hair Transplant?
- Do I need a hair transplant?
- Preparing for your Hair Transplant
- The day of your Hair Transplant
- After your Hair Transplant
- Female Hair Transplant
- Finding a Hair Transplant Clinic
- Hair Transplant Surgery Methods
- Costs of Hair Transplants
- Hair Transplant FAQs
- Hair Transplant Glossary