Scalp surgery
A hair transplant can often return good results even in cases of progressive baldness. However, if there is too little transferable hair or the scalp has been marked by burns or scars (thereby reducing the chances of good transplant healing), it may be advisable to opt for scalp surgery. Following the removal of small scarred bald patches, a hair transplant is often not even necessary.
The bald patches are removed during the so called scalp reduction surgery, the scalp itself pushed over the resulting defect and the cut sewn with a special stitching technique in order to avoid renewed separation. Before this procedure, a liquid-filled tissue expander is often implanted for a few weeks. This is so that larger scalp areas can be mobilised without tension.
Further information
Treatment and operation preparation: Obtain timely, comprehensive medical advice and risk awareness, including a full medical check-up and ECG.
Duration of operation: 1-3 hours
Anaesthesia: Local, twilight or general
Staying at the clinic: Outpatient, up to 2 days’ stationary
Work incapacity: 1-7 days
Social capacity: After 1-4 days, in cases of tissue expanders possibly after 6 weeks
Sport: After 1-4 weeks
Sun-bathing and solarium: After 1-8 weeks
Sauna: After 4 weeks
After care: Thread removal, possible refill of the expander in weekly sessions, scar care, possibly lymph drainage and magnetic field therapy.
Durability: Long-term
Special risks: Opening of the scar, defects in skin sensitivity, numbness, hair loss
Cost absorption: Possibly covered by health insurance in cases of accidental scarring or burns.