I have had two hair transplants and am still waiting for most of the hair from the second procedure to grow in. I think that it'll will be sufficient growth for me in the front and on top but I have a small bald spot in the back. I have been taking propecia for a couple of years and the bald spot isn't getting any bigger. My doctor here suggested doing a scalp reduction instead of wasting donor hair on this area. I like to keep my hair pretty short and am not sure how a scalp reduction scar would be. If it wouldn't be good when I like to keep my hair short I would rather just get some transplanted hair there. Anyone who has information on scalp reduction pros and cons would be great. Am trying to see which way to go with the bald spot in the back of my head. Any info would be greatly appreciated. thanks

Scalp reduction scars can be nasty. Be careful.

My thought is that scalp reductions are a thing of the past. Good news is that the propecia seems to be working. Understand we all know nothing about your situation, but I'd be very wary of a scalp reduction. FU transplants are so good now, I'm not sure why that would be very appealing.

MR

Scalp reductions are a very bad idea. Indeed, the scarring can be very bad. As the crown thins, that scar will show. At least, the usually thin scar left in the donor area from a transplant will most likely remain hidden by hair as you get older. You could get a transplant in the bald spot, but then you must be committed to future transplants when the area around that spot thins out.

What about growing your hair a little longer and using a product like Toppik or Dermamatch until you get a better idea of whats happening in the crown area over the long haul?

Although scalp reductions have fallen out of favor there may indeed be a place for them.

With a reduction and a Frechet extender it is possible to treat a select group of patients who might otherewise be unable to obtain full coverage.My experience with performing scalp reductions has been very favorable and I have not had problems with unsightly scars.This is primarily because I have avoided closing the areas under "tension"

One must be very careful in selecting patients for such procedures. I believe that scalp reductions may return again as a posssible treatment option primarily outside of the United States. The bad publicity surrounding reductions and the reluctance on the part of insurance carriers to insure doctors in the U.S. to do these procedures makes it very unlikely that we will be able to return to SR.