Clinical efficacy of expansion of scalp flap and hair transplantation for hair loss at the temples

Abstract

Objective To explore the effects of the expansion of scalp flap and hair transplantation on hair loss at the temples. Methods Clinical data of patients with hair loss at the temples who were treated with hair transplantation (n=69) and tissue expansion (n=48) between Aug. 2004 and July 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. The hair grafting technique was carried out by harvesting a scalp strip from the back of head, then dividing it into a series of 1-3 hair grafts and finally implanting them into the prepared recipient holes of lesion with a desired hair direction. Tissue expansion was performed by firstly positioning a tissue expander in the subgaleal pocket of scalp and subsequently inflating it with normal saline. Therefore, an expanded scalp flap was designed, with the combination of advancement and rotation flap transplantation principles, to be transferred to the recipient site after lesion removal. Results Over 8-month to 3-year of follow-up, the hair transplanted grew well. The direction was satisfied. The folliculitis was found in seven burn patients and cured after embrocating 75% alcohol. Fifteen patients experienced encryption transplantation for feeling a sparse hair. Forty-eight patients with tissue expansion achieved very satisfactory results. Hair transplantation with intact follicle was conducted in 6 patients for smaller coverage area and worse appearance. Eleven patients dissatisfied with the direction of hair growth. The hematoma was found in 2 patients but did not impact on treatment effects. Conclusions Hair transplantation may be applied in the treatment of simple hair loss at the temples. Therefore, the tissue expansion could be an optimal choice for hair loss at the temples combined with adjacent scale defect and unstable scar. Key words: Expand flap; Transplantation; Temple