New devices for scalp reduction. Intraoperative and prolonged scalp extension.

BACKGROUND

Scalp reduction for male pattern and other extensive, permanent crown-vertex alopecias has been a beneficial, adjuvant procedure in hair replacement surgery and has been augmented by unsightly and sometimes painful intraoperative and chronic scalp expansion techniques.

METHODS

Ten patients underwent scalp reduction for male pattern baldness utilizing intraoperative Sure-Closure, a skin-stretching device. Ten patients had Frechet Extenders placed under the scalp during their scalp reductions with subsequent removal 28 days later followed immediately by second reduction procedures.

RESULTS

The skin-stretching device, Sure-Closure, allowed the excision of 20%-30% more alopecic scalp during scalp reduction than what would have been possible with scalp reduction alone. The Frechet Extender when combined with a lazy S excision pattern for scalp reduction procedures generated between 25% and 50% more excision of alopecic scalp than with scalp reduction alone.

CONCLUSION

Scalp reduction procedures can be more effectively performed with minimal complications and fewer reductions required per patient using either intraoperative scalp extension with the Sure-Closure device or chronic scalp extension with the Frechet Extender.