Application of controllable hair density of eyebrow reconstruction with the treatment of scar baldness during the same operation stage

Abstract

Objective To explore a method of eyebrow reconstruction which can control eyebrows, and to repair scar baldness in the same operation stage. Methods Operations were performed in two stages. In the first stage, an expander was placed under the scalp at the same side of the defect eyebrow through the direction of the superficial temporal artery. Other expanders were placed around the scar baldness. After the incision healed, water was injected into the expander. During the expansion, the scalp hair density was approaching the uninjured eyebrow side. Then the second stage operation was prepared: an island flap with superficial temporal artery as axial artery was harvested and the expander was extracted. The subcutaneous tunnel was made in the temporal region of the eyebrow defect side. The expanded superficial temporal artery island scalp flap was passed through the tunnel and transferred to the defect eyebrow area to repair the eyebrow. After incising the scar baldness, the left expanded scalp flaps were transferred to cover the wound. Results 12 patients underwent this method of eyebrow reconstruction with scar baldness, all island scalp flaps survived, with no case of flap necrosis. After 6-24 months of follow-up, the hair density of the reconstructed eyebrows was very close to that of the uninjured side, without excessive thickening or excessive rarefaction. The scalp scars were small and can be shaded by the hair. All patients were satisfied with the operation. Conclusions The method of controllable hair density of eyebrow reconstruction with the treatment of scar baldness has good effects on reconstructing eyebrow defect and scar baldness. It is simple, economic and suitable for further application. Key words: Eyebrows; Cicatricial alopecia; Surgical operation; Eyebrow reconstruction