Scalp lifting. Anatomic and technical considerations

Extensive scalp lifting, though offering the potential for tremendous benefit to the patient with extensive male-pattern alopecia, has not been widely accepted or understood.

The anatomic and technical features of extensive scalp lifting are discussed.

The performance of extensive scalp lift surgery must be preceded by a thorough understanding of the specific goals, anatomic considerations, surgical techniques, and specific methods for successful completion of this operation. A knowledge of preoperative preparation, anesthesia, intraoperative methods, undermining, hemostasis, means of scalp advancement, and proper closure are essential for minimizing side effects and complications of this beneficial procedure. One must understand the dynamics of scalp stretching and lifting in order to achieve optimum removal of baldness and to successfully predict the outcome of the operation.

Present and future advantages of scalp lifting over traditional scalp reduction have been enumerated and discussed.