Major Scalp Reduction in Bellevue & Kirkland
Procedure Time
2 Hours
Recovery Time
1 week
Hair loss can occur suddenly and slowly. Regardless, if it progresses it can often lead to baldness. While for some, especially men, baldness is not always a bad outcome, it is still something many patients would like to avoid. Typically, non-surgical treatments and hair transplant are preferred, but in some cases, a more aggressive approach may need to be taken to provide the best results. Northwest Face & Body performs all types of non-surgical and surgical hair restoration treatments to both men and women. Our experts will custom cater a treatment plan based on your pattern of hair loss and goals. We provide the best major scalp reduction Bellevue and Kirkland offer.
Overview: What Is A Major Scalp Reduction?
A major scalp reduction is a surgical hair restoration procedure that involves removing skin with inactive hair follicles and pulling skin with hair or active follicles forward. With a major scalp reduction, it often pulls the skin significantly forward for people who have experience large amounts of hair loss. A minor scalp reduction requires less skin removal and stretching. A scalp reduction is often the absolute last resort and arguably the most aggressive treatment for hair loss. However, it is also the only one that can treat men and women with near total baldness. Hair transplant and non-surgical techniques cannot address hair loss after a certain point.
Scalp reduction most commonly treats hair loss, but is sometimes a part of certain transgender procedures. For example, a transgender woman may experience genetic baldness. During a facial feminization surgery, her surgeon will remove the balding and pull the hairline forward for a more feminine appearance. While not performed or necessary for all cases, it is one of the top reasons scalp reduction is still performed.
History Of Scalp Reduction
Scalp reduction appeared as surgical treatment for hair loss before hair transplantation. In the 1960s through the 1980s, it was especially popular among balding men who did not yet have non-surgical or more effective surgical techniques to treat hair loss. Scalp reduction was the only effective option for large scale hair restoration until hair transplant technology because more viable.
Today, scalp reduction has fallen out of favor when compared to hair transplant surgery. However, that does not mean it does not still have it’s uses. It is also still widely considered a safe and effective surgical technique for the right candidate. Some types of scalp reductions have appeared that go beyond a major scalp reduction. These are generally considered unsafe.
The Surgical Technique
There are a few different incision styles for a scalp reduction. The most common follows the rough shape of a rocket ship. Removing this hairless skin from the scalp, your Bellevue plastic surgeon will then pull the hair bearing skin forward and over. Once in place, your surgeon will carefully stitch the skin together. This often leaves an incision near the hairline. Hair usually grows over this incision area, though there is a risk that the scar will be visible after surgery. Your surgeon will discuss this with you before your surgery to communicate your individual risk of scarring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Women Get Scalp Reduction Surgery?
Yes, while it is even less common than men, some women may be candidates for scalp reduction surgery. In general, most women will find benefits in hair transplant or non-surgical methods. As previously mentioned, it is common among transwomen experiencing hair loss, or wanting to feminize their hairline.
Are There Non-Surgical Alternatives?
Yes, if hair restoration begins before widespread or large scale baldness occurs there are injectable, laser, and medication methods that may help patients avoid a hair restoration surgery for several years, or even indefinitely. However, they can only work during the earlier stages of hair loss. Your provider can discuss if you may still be a candidate for one of these alternatives during a consultation.
The Best Major Scalp Reduction In Bellevue & Kirkland
If a major scalp reduction is the right procedure for you, the team at Northwest Face & Body is fully prepared to accommodate you and your needs. With a thirty year history providing the top cosmetic procedures to the Greater Seattle area, Northwest Face & Body is the top destination for your hair restoration goals. To schedule a consultation, call us at 425-576-1700. You can also reach out online via chat, contact form, or Price Simulator.