In some patients, alopecia or scalp reduction may be recommended in addition to or instead of hair transplantation. This involves reducing the size of the bald area or even eliminating it altogether in the crown. It is not usually recommended for the frontal region. In suitable candidates, scalp reductions offer the advantage of immediate results and extra density. In most patients the scalp is an elastic structure, which can be easily mobilised. 

The degree of mobility varies from one person to another but some 2–4cm of scalp can usually be removed at each operation due to this mobility. After removing the bald scalp, the area is closed by suturing together the remaining hair-bearing edges of scalp. The result of this procedure is to eliminate the bald crown or leave a smaller area ofbaldness so that transplantation can be concentrated into a smaller area of greater  density. Many patients will never be suitable candidates for reduction surgery. Equally there are cases where it would be very advantageous, such as some cases of accidental injuries and burns.

Reduction of Scarring Alopecia