Reconstruction of scalp and forehead defects

Abstract

The scalp and forehead are a specialized area of skin that protects the skull, and they differ based on color, long hair, and esthetic appearance. The skull bone is a subcutaneous bone that gets exposed after trauma, electric burn, infection, and following scalp tumor excision. Long-term exposure to the skull may lead to life-threatening complications, such as brain abscess or meningitis. Options of coverage of scalp defects based on its location, depth, size, need for radiation, surrounding skin condition, and esthetic appearance. Partial or complete removal of skull bone may be required, depending on the bone’s condition and the disease’s nature. Options for cranioplasty rely on the size, location of the skull defect, and need for radiation. Most scalp defects can be managed with local scalp flaps with or without skin grafting at the donor site. Local flaps provide esthetic results because of their architectural similarity to the recipient site.