Scalp Reduction Introduction
Alopecia reduction, or scalp reduction, surgically reduces the size of balding areas resulting from pattern baldness. Male pattern baldness typically progresses from a full head of hair, to a receding hairline, to a horseshoe shaped ring of hair remaining around the back of the head. Whereas hair follicles at the front and top of the head may be genetically predisposed to hair loss, follicles toward the back and sides are resistant. Scalp reduction uses these donor regions to eliminate a bald spot at mid-scalp or the crown, or vertex, of the head by stretching flaps of bald-resistant, hair-bearing skin upwards and closing them with sutures. Alopecia reduction has become less popular as hair transplantation has improved, however it is an option for patients who wish to decrease the surface area needing hair transplants. In general, the best candidates for scalp reduction are those with lax scalp skin, a clear bald spot on the crown, and sufficient donor area hair to complete a hair transplant after the procedure.