Before the surgery, the surgeon will evaluate the patient's scalp to determine the extent of the baldness and the feasibility of the procedure. They'll also discuss the potential risks and benefits with the patient.

Anesthesia

The patient will be given local anesthesia to numb the scalp and surrounding areas, or in some cases, general anesthesia may be used.

Flap creation

The surgeon will carefully cut a section of the scalp with healthy hair follicles, known as the "flap," from the donor site. The donor site is usually an area of the scalp where hair growth is dense and unaffected by hair loss.

Repositioning

The flap is then carefully repositioned and sutured onto the recipient site, where hair loss is evident. The surgeon ensures that the blood supply to the flap is maintained to ensure proper healing and hair growth.

Healing

After the surgery, the patient will need to follow post-operative care instructions provided by the surgeon. This may include taking antibiotics to prevent infection, avoiding strenuous activities, and keeping the surgical area clean.

Follow-up

The patient will have follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor the healing process and assess the growth of new hair in the transplanted area.

Scalp flap surgery can be an effective solution for severe hair loss in cases where other treatments, such as hair transplant or medication, are not suitable or have been unsuccessful. 

Scalp flap surgery can provide substantial hair restoration, particularly in cases of extensive baldness or hair loss due to trauma or burns. It can cover large areas of baldness with hair-bearing skin from other parts of the scalp.

Unlike some temporary hair loss treatments, scalp flap surgery offers permanent results. Once the transplanted flap heals and the hair follicles start to grow, the results can be long-lasting.

Single Procedure

In some cases, scalp flap surgery may achieve desired results in a single procedure, reducing the need for multiple treatments or touch-ups.

Natural Appearance

The transplanted hair typically grows naturally, blending in with the surrounding hair, which can result in a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Customisable

Surgeons can customise the size and shape of the flap to match the patient's specific needs and hairline, leading to a more tailored outcome.

Cons:

Invasive Procedure

Scalp flap surgery is a major surgical procedure that involves cutting and repositioning large sections of scalp tissue. As such, it carries inherent risks associated with surgery, including bleeding, infection, and complications with wound healing.

Scarring

The procedure can leave noticeable scars at both the donor and recipient sites. While efforts are made to minimise scarring, some degree of scarring is unavoidable.

Risk of Tissue Necrosis

In some cases, the blood supply to the transplanted flap may be compromised, leading to tissue necrosis (death of tissue). This can result in partial or complete loss of the transplanted hair.

Limited Donor Sites

The availability of suitable donor sites on the scalp may be limited, particularly in patients with extensive hair loss or scarring.

Cost

Scalp flap surgery can be expensive, especially when considering the cost of the procedure itself, anesthesia, hospital fees, and post-operative care. It may not be covered by insurance, as it is often considered a cosmetic procedure.

Recovery Time

Recovery from scalp flap surgery can take several weeks to months, during which time the patient may experience discomfort, swelling, and temporary hair loss. Strenuous activities may need to be avoided during this period.

Before opting for scalp flap surgery, it's essential for individuals to thoroughly discuss the potential risks and benefits with a qualified surgeon and consider alternative treatments.

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