The management of hair loss from trauma

Abstract

The scalp may be involved in traumatic injury, resulting in significant disfigurement and psychologic morbidity. Scarring alopecia is seen after burn injuries, avulsion injuries, accidents, and treatment of tumors. Historically, hair restoration procedures have included scalp reduction, pedicle flaps, expanders, and hair transplantation. This article describes the special techniques required to restore a patient's appearance when treating these injuries, while emphasizing the versatility of scalp expansion, advancement flaps, and follicular unit hair transplantation. The scalp may be involved in traumatic injury, resulting in significant disfigurement and psychologic morbidity. Scarring alopecia is seen after burn injuries, avulsion injuries, accidents, and treatment of tumors. Historically, hair restoration procedures have included scalp reduction, pedicle flaps, expanders, and hair transplantation. This article describes the special techniques required to restore a patient's appearance when treating these injuries, while emphasizing the versatility of scalp expansion, advancement flaps, and follicular unit hair transplantation.