The Effect of Adding an Incision to the Galea during Scalp Defect Closure

Abstract

Objectives: Scarring alopecia on the head after the removal of a scalp lesion, such as a sebaceous nevus, can be a cosmetic concern. There are several reports on methods used for subgaleal dissection and incision of the galea when using simple sutures, but these methods have not been quantitatively analysed.

Methods: In this small case series, we compared 2 methods for primary wound closure following removal of scalp lesions, one involving only subgaleal dissection (group A) and the other involving both subgaleal dissection and additional galeal incisions (group B).

Results: Fourteen patients were enrolled. The average excision width was 15.0 (range 8-22) mm in group A and 21.8 (range 18-32) mm in group B. The average width of alopecia was 5.6 (range 1-12) mm and 3.1 (range 3-4) mm, respectively.

Conclusions: In this case series, subgaleal dissection and an additional incision to the galea during simple scalp excisions not only expanded the limits of the closable defect width but also reduced the width of the resulting scarring alopecia.