The Combination of Expanded Scalp Flap and 800 nm Diode Laser in the Reconstruction of Forehead Defect

Abstract

Skin grafting is often the first choice for closing forehead defects. However, the aesthetics of skin grafting-reconstructed forehead defects are still not accepted by a large number of patients. With the technological advancement of laser hair removal, scalp flaps have been considered as donors for reconstruction of forehead defects. We evaluated 10 cases of forehead defect reconstructions with expanded scalp flaps followed by hair removal by an 800nm diode laser. All flaps survived uneventfully and underwent 4-6 laser treatments for hair removal. The appearances of the reconstructed foreheads were similar to that of the adjacent skin, and all patients were satisfied with the treatment outcomes during the 6-24months of follow-up. It is concluded that the combined treatments of expanded scalp flaps and diode laser hair removal are effective for repairing forehead defects.Level of Evidence IV This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .