Scalp flap surgery is an effective baldness solution for male pattern baldness

Scalp flap surgery involves surgically removing a portion of healthy scalp and hair from the back or sides of the head and transplanting it to the front of head. This in effect creates a new hairline for the male who suffers from male pattern balding. Scalp flaps are usually performed on patients who have complete balding in the front area of the scalp. Men whose hair is just beginning to thin or whose hair is thinning in patches in random areas spanning the head may want to choose a different type of treatment.

Of all the baldness treatments, scalp flap surgery is not effective on every type of balding. You might have to try other procedures as per your peculiar baldness. It mainly works on the type of balding where you see a “crop circle” type spot at the top of the person’s head. As women don’t often suffer from male pattern balding but instead tend to bald in patches, they do not often make good candidates for scalp flap surgery.

The goal of scalp flap surgery is to take an entire strip of hair from one section of the head and move it to the bald area. Hence, it is highly effective in male balding problems. Scalp flap surgery is one of the more complicated surgeries and is usually performed in three stages under general anesthesia and in a hospital.

Scalp flap surgery is effective balding solution for treating anyone who has male pattern balding due to hormones or genetics, but not from medications, stress, severe illness, and infections. There are very few individuals who would not qualify as a good candidate for a scalp flap operation however the procedure may not be for you if you have a serious disease, are going chemotherapy or any other process that could cause your hair to fall out.

Individuals with AIDS or an autoimmune disorder are also not good candidates for a scalp flap operation as there is an increased danger of infection. Provided you are healthy and as long as main area of balding to be treated is at the front or on top of the head you are a good candidate for scalp flap.

During the first stage the plastic surgeon makes two parallel incisions are made on the either side of the scalp. Flesh with balding skin is removed and then these incisions are then closed and sutured.

In the second stage, another operation is necessary to remove flesh from the back of the head. This small incision is connected up with the first two parallel incisions.

During the final stage the plastic surgeon makes an incision near the front of the hairline to create a flap of scalp from the initial three incisions. The scalp flap is then lifted, rotated and placed on the previously balding spot. The flap is then sutured into place.

Before having this procedure you will have an initial consultation with your plastic surgeon. The doctor will take a biopsy of both healthy and balding areas of your scalp to see what type of anatomy and hair you have. The quality of your hair also might be examined under a microscope.

The longer the procedure is expected to take, the more likely that general anesthesia will be recommended. You may be allowed to return home after surgery. If complications such as bleeding occur it may be necessary to spend the night in the hospital.

A surgical dressing that can be concealed by a baseball cap or some other type of hat must be worn at all times for a day or two after each of the three operations. Mild headache, swelling and bruising are also common. The area may be itchy as scabs form around the wounds. Shampooing and combing should be avoided for at least five to seven days. Strenuous activity should be kept to a minimum for about two weeks.

It is also inadvisable to get your hair wet for a week or so after going through each stage of the scalp flap procedures. You can also expect your doctor to prescribe antibiotics to prevent any infection from occurring and anti-inflammatories and painkillers to deal with any physical discomfort. Most people will be able to return to work within three to five days following the procedure.

A scalp flap operation can be uncomfortable and expensive, but many men who have had it have been pleased with the results. Any scars that result are usually hidden by your new growth of hair. Better yet the results of this type of hair transplantation operation are often successful and permanent.

Scalp reduction plastic surgery can also be done with it as one procedure.