ABSTRACT
The treatment of scalp and forehead defects is challenging. There are few cases in
which an untreated scalp defect can heal by secondary intention. However, lack of
adequate treatment can also lead to fatal consequences. Adequate judgment and treatment
of a defect on the scalp are therefore mandatory. There are many options to reconstruct
a scalp defect. Each option has its role in the reconstruction repertoire. Various
factors need to be considered when choosing the method to be used. These factors include
etiology and the size of the defect, age and general health of the patient, as well
as the situation at the hospital/unit where the treatment is performed. In this article,
different reconstruction methods are presented, and guidelines for the selection of
the various options are provided.
KEYWORDS
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Barbara S LutzM.D. Ph.D.
Consultant Plastic Surgeon
Abbey Riverside Hospital, Great West Road, London TW8 9HE, UK
Email: bslutz08@hotmail.com