Alopecia Reduction
Alopecia reduction is a surgical technique aimed at reducing the size of bald patches by excising sections of hairless scalp and stretching adjacent hair-bearing skin to cover the area. This procedure was once more commonly used before the widespread adoption of modern hair transplant techniques like FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) and FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation).
While alopecia reduction provides immediate results, it has several limitations. The tension created by pulling hair-bearing skin over bald areas can sometimes lead to excessive scarring, discomfort, or further hair loss due to stress on the scalp. Additionally, it does not restore a natural-looking hairline or density in diffuse thinning cases.
The procedure is best suited for individuals with stable donor areas and localized baldness, typically on the crown or vertex of the scalp. In some cases, alopecia reduction is combined with hair transplantation to enhance density and aesthetics. However, due to its risks and the advancements in transplant techniques, it is rarely the first choice for treating hair loss today.
