Scalp lifting. An 8-year experience with over 1,230 cases.

BACKGROUND

This article reviews the author's 8-year experience with extensive scalp-lifting, which includes 1,230 cases.

OBJECTIVE

To overview extensive scalp-lifting paying particular attention to the areas of complications and the ways to reduce them.

METHOD

Retrospective analysis of 1,230 cases was done. Necrosis, infection, hematoma, numbness, and scarring were evaluated.

RESULTS

1. Vertical incision occipital artery ligatory should be performed 4 to 8 weeks prior to a scalp lift. 2) Use a delay procedure prior to a frontoparietal advancement flap. 3) Use only lateral lifts on patients with prior punch-grafting. 4) Locate the temporal arteries preoperatively with Doppler ultrasonography. 5) Do not perform frontoparietal advancement flaps on patients with prior punch-grafts.

CONCLUSION

Scalp lifting is an extremely effective and expedient method to treat alopecia; however, certain precautionary measures must be taken to obtain excellent, consistent results.