Scalp defects are commonly encountered in case of trauma or tumor excision.

Reconstruction depends on the areas involved in trauma or tumor. The reconstructive option with respect to size and depth of defect is:

•  Skin only
  o Bone not exposed  – Skin grafting.
  o Bone exposed.
•  Small to moderate size (roughly till 10x10cm wound) scalp rotational
  flap (rotation of hair bearing skin from normal area to the area of
  exposed bone).
•  Major wound.
• Such wounds might need microvascular reconstruction.
  by bringing full thickness skin from forearm, thigh or back . This surgery may last for 6 to 8 hours as it requires anastomosis of blood vessels to keep that flap alive.
•  Bone involvement (scalp bone has outer and inner tables). Involvement of outer table – does not need bone reconstruction.
•  Involvement of both tables – will need reconstruction with prosthetic
  mesh / or artificial bone or outer table of bone from normal area of scalp to cover the defect.

Minor wound infections or partial skin necrosis.

Most of the times patient recovers smoothly.

2 to 6 hours (depending on extent of involvement).

2 to 5 days (may extend if procedure requires more than one sittings).

Chances of success — More than 95%.

Hairless skin which may need hair transplant or any other secondary procedure.

• Inpatient stay.