Hair Transplantation on the Baldness Region with Free Latissimus Dorsi Flap for Scalp Reconstruction: A Case Report

Abstract: Scalp reconstruction, particularly with complex defects and infection risks, often favors microvascular free flaps. However, this method can result in unavoidable alopecia and undesirable aesthetics. This report describes a novel case where hair transplantation via follicular unit extraction (FUE) was applied to a free myocutaneous flap. A 44-year-old woman with Moyamoya disease suffered intracerebral hemorrhage a decade ago. Craniotomies and autologous bone cranioplasties led to wound dehiscence, with subsequent failed local flaps and skin grafts, and identification of a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection. The final scalp defect, measuring 13 × 9 cm, was reconstructed using a free myocutaneous latissimus dorsi flap. Nine years post-surgery, a 1,500-unit FUE hair transplantation procedure was conducted. The transplanted hair exhibited robust survival with adequate blood supply, achieving a satisfactory 80 to 85% survival rate at 12 months. This resulted in a notable improvement in the patient's external alopecia, with reported high levels of satisfaction. Free flaps offer a valuable method for scalp defect reconstruction; however, they may not ensure optimal aesthetic satisfaction due to alopecia. Nonetheless, successful FUE hair transplantation on a myocutaneous free flap can yield satisfactory aesthetic results.

Object Details

• Location: Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Frankfurt am Main
• Extent: Online-Ressource
• Language: Englisch

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Hair Transplantation on the Baldness Region with Free Latissimus Dorsi Flap for Scalp Reconstruction: A Case Report ; day:10 ; month:06 ; year:2024 ; Archives of Plastic Surgery ; (10.06.2024)

Contributors, Places and Time

• Contributor: Han, Man Wong ; Moh, Jaeseong ; Park, Ji-Ung

Further information

• DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1787186
• URN: urn:nbn:de:101:1-2407251104483.864762183979
• Rights: Open Access; Der Zugriff auf das Objekt ist unbeschränkt möglich.
• Last update: 14.08.2025, 10:55 AM CEST