Vito C. Quatela, M.D., FACS
Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
Diplomate, American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery
Quatela Center for Hair Restoration
973 East Avenue
Rochester, NY 14607
Phone: (585) 244-0323
Monday–Friday: 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
This procedure can make a bald spot smaller and reduce the follicles needed for satisfying hair transplant results.
Our experienced group of hair surgeons has performed more than 1,200 transplant procedures, and they understand that some patients have a limited number of viable follicles available for transplanting. In order to make the most of limited grafts and place them where they matter most, scalp reduction can be performed to reduce the area of balding scalp. This procedure removes a section of the scalp from the top of the head and brings the hair-bearing scalp on the sides together in the center.
Scalp reduction provides people with significant hair loss the following benefits:
It’s important to understand that you may need multiple procedures for optimal results. Our surgeons often combine scalp reduction with follicular unit extraction (FUE) or follicular unit transplant (FUT) hair transplant surgery.
Ideal candidates for scalp reduction meet the following criteria:
Patients must be willing to accept that they will end up with a thin scar on top of the head that may be covered by the remaining hair or hair transplants.
With decades of experience serving national and international clients, we have streamlined the travel process for our out-of-town patients. Our proximity to an international airport, discreet onsite and offsite accommodations, and concierge offerings ensure your experience with us will be stress-free and rewarding.
Explore Our Travel Program
Our surgeons perform scalp reduction as outpatient surgery using local anesthetic with IV sedation or general anesthetic. The surgeon begins by removing approximately 2 to 5 cm of scalp from the top of the head, which might encompass some or all of the balding area. In some patients, the surgeon may use scalp extenders to remove as much as 6 cm of the balding area. The opening is closed by bringing the edges of the incision together at the top of the head and suturing them together.
Patients recover along the following general timeline (experiences vary):
| Day of surgery: | Return home and rest. |
| Day 3: | Swelling and soreness dissipate. |
| 10 to 14 days: | Sutures are removed. |
| 2 to 3 weeks: | Return to work. Incision healed. |
| 3 to 6 months: | Feeling of tightness eases. Final results attained. |
| 6 to 12 months: | Scalp numbness fades. |
Follow your surgeon’s pre and post-operative instructions for proper healing and optimal results.
Request a Consultation
Scalp reduction procedure costs vary with the specifics of the surgery and individual patient factors. During your hair transplant consultation with one of our double board-certified facial plastic surgeons, you will receive a personalized price quote for your procedure.
If you want to restore your own thicker, fuller, natural-looking hair, request your consultation online, or call the Quatela Center for Hair Restoration in Rochester, NY, to schedule.