Miniflap hair restoration

Flap reconstruction of the scalp has traditionally required multiple, delayed procedures, an extensive principle operation, and several minor revision surgeries to produce the optimal end result. The entire protocol had to be repeated for each subsequent flap. Flap reconstructions only covered a moderate portion of the bald scalp of the later-staged patient. This hair restoration process required considerable surgical skill on the part of the operator and tenacity on the part of the patient.

A system of short, nondelayed flaps was developed to shorten this comparatively long, multi-staged process and reduce the risk of flap compromise.

Initially, the patient underwent a two-step, scalp-lifting procedure to reduce the width of bald scalp to be spanned. At later sessions, anteriorly based flaps were outlined from the margin of the lifted scalp and rotated into the desired configuration.

In 29 flaps rotated to date in 13 patients, flap viability was excellent and interflap scarring acceptable. Hair direction was readily adapted to the patients' desires. Case examples are presented.

Staged scalp-lifting with miniflap reconstruction of the scalp is a preferred option for hair relocation in selected cases.