The size of the flap and its placement are largely dependent upon the patient's goals and needs. One flap can do the work of 350 or more punch grafts. During flap surgery, a section of bald scalp is cut out and a flap of hair-bearing skin is sewn into its place. A section of bald scalp is cut out and a flap of hair-bearing skin is lifted off the surface while still attached at one end. The patterns used in scalp reduction vary widely, yet all meet the goal of bringing hair and scalp together to cover bald areas.
Scalp reduction is for coverage of bald areas at the top and back of the head.
It's not beneficial for coverage of the frontal hairline. After the scalp is injected with a local anesthetic, a segment of bald scalp is removed. The pattern of the section of removed scalp varies widely, depending on the patient's goals. If a large amount of coverage is needed, doctors commonly remove a segment of scalp in an inverted Y-shape. The cut-out area may also be shaped like a U, a pointed oval, or some other figure.