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Scalp Reconstruction

As with any reconstructive surgery, scalp reconstruction restores the appearance of the scalp after traumatic injuries, removal of skin cancers or hair loss. Scalp skin is very different from the skin of the rest of the face. The skin is hair bearing, thicker and non-elastic. Small and medium sized defects of the scalp may be repaired with mobilized adjacent scalp skin. Large defects of scalp skin cannot be repaired with transfer of adjacent scalp due to inflexibility of skin. In these situations, scalp tissue expansion or skin grafting from another part of the body will be necessary.

Scalp Repair

During a consultation visit for scalp reconstruction, Dr. Khosh will examine you to determine the size and location of the defect, and the quality and elasticity of your scalp skin. The consultation will then focus on discussing your options in repair of your scalp. Factors such as your general health status, your aesthetic goals from reconstruction and timing of the repair will help determine the best reconstructive option. Dr. Khosh will then spend time to explain the steps involved in your reconstructive procedure, and your expected recovery.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment for you or family member. We look forward to helping you.

Scalp reconstruction New York, NY

Case Study

This 64-year-old gentleman sought consultation for repair of scalp skin in Manhattan. He had a basal cell skin cancer removed with the Moh’s technique. The resulting scalp defect was repaired with a rotation-advancement flap.

  • Patient: 64 year old male candidate for scalp skin reconstruction
  • Problem: 2-inch scalp defect following skin cancer removal
  • Procedure: In this case, local rotation-advancement flap allowed repair of the defect. More generally, surgical treatment of scalp defects may necessitate tissue expansion, hair grafts, or secondary scar revision.

Disclaimer: These are actual results for patients of Dr. Maurice Khosh. Plastic and cosmetic surgery results can vary between patients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Small scalp defects can be reconstructed under local anesthesia. Larger defects that require more complicated procedures such as scalp flaps or tissue expansion are best performed under sedation or general anesthesia in an operating room.

Tissue expansion or scalp expansion is a very useful technique in repairing large defects of the scalp. Scalp tissue is stiff compared to other parts of the body, and cannot be stretched very far. Tissue expansion is used for repair of traumatic defects, cancer defects and scalp baldness.

Following a surgical procedure to place the tissue expander, patients come to the office two or three times weekly to undergo expander injections. The duration of expansion is dependent on the size of the tissue expander. Tissue expanders come in various sizes and shapes depending on the size and location of the defect. Tissue expansion may take 4 to 8 weeks.

Skin grafts are pieces of skin that are harvested from one area of the body and attached to a recipient site such as the scalp. Skin grafts do not grow hair. Although the skin graft procedure is generally simpler than a scalp flap, the cosmetic appearance is inferior to a scalp flap.

Related Procedures

Scalp reconstruction is usually a stand alone procedure. However, reconstruction may require multiple stages. In particular, with tissue expansion, an initial expander placement is followed with serial injections during office visits. Once the expander has reached the desired size, it is then removed during a surgical procedure when the expanded tissue is rearranged on the scalp.

Male scalp.

Click Here to See Scalp Photo Gallery

What Dr. Khosh's Patients Say

5.0

Based on 174 reviews

Meredith G.
Saw Dr. Khosh for a fractured nose. He reset my nose beautifully (and with little discomfort to me) and then discussed some of my sinus issues with me upon my follow up visit. Never felt like he was rushing me out and felt very confident in his abilities. I would highly recommend to anyone needing plastic or reconstructive options!
Jackie C.
Great front office, really good experience after what was a terrible accident. I was made to feel comfortable. Dr. Khosh is very good at what he does. I'm still healing but I'm confident of the results
Kaitlin M.
Dr. Khosh takes exceptional care of his patients. He has operated on me twice, each time making me feel extremely comfortable and satisfied with the results. His staff is also very kind and knowledgeable.
Diana G.
Dr. Khosh & his staff Susan & Christine are absolutely amazing! They were so supportive & helpful from beginning to end & they are just wonderful people. Thank you guys I truly appreciate everything you guys have done for me. I would recommend them to anyone & everyone!
Joann M.
After visiting and being evaluated by several doctors, I kept going back to Dr. Khosh. His tranquil spirit and professionalism were captivating. Thank you for a job well done and keeping me calm throughout the entire process. A special thanks to your staff Susan and Christine for all of their support as well. Hi highly recommend Dr. Khosh.
Leah G.
Upon hearing of the overwhelmingly positive experience a friend of mine had in choosing Dr. Khosh as her surgeon, I decided to make an appointment for my own septoplasty/rhinoplasty/turbinate reduction. Although I was slightly skeptical as the praise I had heard seemed a bit hyperbolic, all uncertainty dissipated after meeting the Doctor and his staff. My pre- and post-operative experience was excellent in terms of concerns adequately addressed prior to the surgery and mitigation of any bruising in the convalescent period. Despite my apparent predisposition to rather slower healing, a year after the surgery, my nose looks really pretty and my breathing entirely unobstructed! I highly recommend Dr. Khosh!
Courtney G.
AMAZING!!!!!! I had Dr Khosh perform lipo on my chin/neck and my result is unbelievable! Better than I could have expected! I met with a couple of surgeons and the second I met with Dr Khosh I knew he was the one I was going with. He was compassionate and explained every detail of what would take place during the surgery and what to expect during recovery. I even emailed a few times during recovery with various questions and he got right back to me asap which was really comforting! I honestly fully recommend Dr Khosh, he did an amazing job and is an amazing person.
Frieda S.
i can finally breathe!! Dr. Khosh made the entire experience a breeze, it was truly a pleasure to be under his care. I am forever thankful and highly recommend him. Not only does his work speak for himself, but he has excellent bedside manner. His kindness and patience is above and beyond. He takes the time to answer to every question you have to help you understand the process while at the same time making you feel so comfortable. From the first consultation i knew i was in good hands. I am so pleased with the result and forever thankful.
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