What Are Hair Flaps?
Hair flaps are techniques to transfer large portions of hair on the sides and back of the scalp to the front and central areas of the head. The most efficient method to perform a flap procedure is to first expand the scalp using a tissue expander. This is a balloon-like device frequently used in reconstructive surgery. The concept of a tissue expander is to enlarge the surface area of the hair-bearing scalp on the sides of the head. By enlarging the supply of scalp with hair, more is available to replace the bald areas. This procedure has limited application for the majority of patients. Most patients who are candidates for this surgery have reconstructive needs following burns or another type of injury to the scalp.
