How are scalp reductions performed?

In scalp reductions, doctors remove small areas of the scalp and rely on the elastic property of the skin to cover those areas of baldness. This procedure decreases an entire area of baldness, and may be used in combination with transplants to produce an even fuller head of hair. Scalp reductions are generally performed on people with balding on the top of the head.

Most scalp reductions are performed under general anesthesia. Sometimes doctors will opt for a local anesthesia instead (like that used by dentists) combined with a sedative to make you drowsy. You'll be awake but relaxed, and although you may feel some tugging and mild discomfort, you wont feel any pain.

In many cases, the procedure will be done in two steps. First, about 4-6 weeks prior to the actual procedure, doctors will reroute some of the arteries in the patients head. This operation ensures proper blood flow after the scalp reduction is done.

In the second step, the surgeon creates a thick Y-shaped incision at the top-back portion of the patients head. Skin in this area is removed, and the back and sides of the scalp are lifted upward and inward to cover and close the area. The incision is closed and sutured. Any scarring is usually covered by hair styling.