Scalp Flap Surgery Information

The first scalp flap procedure was described in the medical literature as far back as 1931. For many years, scalp flap surgery was used primarily by plastic surgeons for the treatment of various types of hair loss after serious scarring had occurred.

Scalp flaps have been used for treatment of male baldness since the early 1980’s. Patients who are only bald at the front of their heads are ideal candidates since recreating the hairline is the major aim of this procedure. However, men who are bald in areas other than at the hairline may also benefit from this procedure with proper planning by their surgeon.

Scalp flap surgery involves moving entire parts of the scalp, which is still growing hair into a bald area. Although it is the most dramatic approach to hair loss, it can often result in a thick hairline being immediately created somewhere else on the head after just one operation. We should say again that this treatment is most effective in patients who have a receding hairline only, rather than a “horseshoe” shaped bald area on the top of their heads.

A local or a general anaesthetic is used before this procedure. The classic operation, known as the Juri flap, involves taking a very long and narrow strip of hair - bearing (donor) scalp from the temple to the back of the head. It is then turned round through approximately 90 degrees and placed in its new site at the hairline.

Different kinds of this procedure can now be carried out, including the scalp lift, which is very useful for treating hair loss on the top of the head. Scalp flap procedures can also be combined with a scalp expansion or extension (described above) to help remove excess bald skin prior to this operation.

Scalp flap procedures can also be successfully combined with hair transplantation to achieve a natural looking head of hair in a patient.

Side effects such as bleeding, pain, swelling and scarring can all follow this operation.

The greatest potential risk (although it is rare) with this operation is a condition called necrosis. This happens when the circulation of the blood is affected so badly that new tissue under the scalp fails to grow. Necrosis usually occurs in the flap itself or at the site from which the donor hairs have been taken.

This is quite a complicated procedure that requires a suitably trained and skilled surgeon to perform it correctly.

For more information about practitioner training, qualifications and relevant medical organisations please view the information contained within the Legislation section of the Consulting Room.

It is highly unlikely that anyone considering scalp flap surgery would be able to access this free of charge on the National Health Service.

However certain regions do make special cases, and we would always recommend that you visit your General Practitioner before embarking upon a cosmetic procedure involving surgery.

As well as their advice and guidance they may also be able to refer you to a local NHS Hospital who can treat you.

The NHS has set out the following guidelines on how to get cosmetic surgery through the NHS:

"To qualify for surgery on the NHS you must meet specific criteria as set out by your local health authority. The NHS will not pay for surgery for cosmetic reasons alone. Reconstructive and cosmetic surgery to correct, or improve, congenital abnormalities and injuries will usually be carried out free of charge.

NHS reconstructive surgery is performed by plastic surgeons who have had extensive training and belong to the British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Surgeons who carry out cosmetic surgery through the NHS also belong to the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons.

To receive cosmetic surgery from the NHS, you will normally need a referral from your GP. You will have a consultation with a plastic surgeon and an assessment by a psychiatrist, or psychologist. It will then be decided whether there is enough social, psychological, or physical benefit to be gained to justify surgery."

Private prices for Scalp Flap Surgery vary depending on the individual case, although you would normally be looking at paying well over £2,300 for a straightforward procedure.

Results vary enormously depending upon both the patient and the skill of the individual surgeon, so outcomes for cosmetic surgery procedures will always be more variable than those for less invasive non-surgical treatments.

We currently do not have any before and after images for Scalp Flap Surgery.