Preservation of hair density and orientation in a large scalp defect of a female patient using a novel intraoperative skin relaxation device

Abstract Post-surgical alopecia and/or hair reorientation is a potential complication from scalp reconstruction of defects created by cutaneous neoplasm removal. In recent studies, this complication has been reported to be of greater concern to female patients compared to males. We detail a promising alternative to flaps or grafts that may solve this dilemma. This novel intraoperative skin relaxation (ISR) device can allow for linear closure while protecting the wound edge and peripheral hair follicles for superior healing and hair conservation.