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Client Testimonial

My neurosurgeon introduced me to Dr. Khosh after my car accident which caused me to lose part of my scalp and skull. Dr. Khosh explained that my reconstruction would require skin expansion and use of a plate to repair the skull defect. The procedures took place exactly as Dr. Khosh had explained. Now that my hair is fully grown, you could never tell I had an accident.

Frank, Riverdale, NY

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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.

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.

In the links below, you will find case studies of patients undergoing scalp reconstruction. Please browse these case studies to gain further insight into repair of scalp defects.

  • 2010 Patients' Choice Award
  • 2008-2009 & 2010-2011 Best Doctor List.
  • Past President of New York Facial Plastic Surgery Society.
  • Assistant Clinical Professor at Columbia University.
  • Past Director of Facial Plastic Surgery at Columbia Univeristy.
  • Founding Member of new York Head & Neck Institute.
  • Affiliate Member of Vascular Birthmarks Institute of New York.
  • 2001 Columbia University Maxwell Abramson Teaching Award.

Case Study

This 54-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 double rotation flap.

  • Patient: 54 year old male candidate for scalp skin reconstruction
  • Problem: 1-inch scalp defect following skin cancer removal
  • Procedure: Surgical treatment of scalp defects may necessitate tissue expansion, hair grafts, or secondary scar revision.

FAQS

What kind of anesthesia is used for scalp reconstruction?
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.
When do you use tissue expansion in scalp repair?
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.
How long is the tissue expansion process?
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 dependant 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.
What is the difference between a skin graft and scalp flap for scalp reconstruction?
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.

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