Craniofacial Scalping: Clinical Aspects, Surgical Management, Prognosis, and Impacts on Life – A Literature Review with Descriptive Analysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36557/2674-8169.2026v8n5p546-587Keywords:
Escalpelamento; Reimplante microcirúrgico; Trauma craniofacial; Reconstrução; Impacto psicossocialAbstract
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Craniofacial scalp avulsion is a severe traumatic injury characterized by partial or total avulsion of the scalp, frequently associated with bone exposure, infectious complications, and permanent deformities. Beyond the physical damage, it has a significant psychosocial impact, especially on women, affecting self-esteem, identity, and quality of life. Despite advances in reconstructive techniques, approaches focused on technical aspects predominate, with less integration of psychosocial outcomes.
Objective: To analyze the surgical and therapeutic strategies described in the literature for the management of craniofacial scalp avulsion, correlating functional, aesthetic, and psychosocial outcomes.
Methodology: This is an integrative literature review, conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, and SciELO databases, using descriptors related to scalp injuries, reimplantation, and microsurgery. Studies published between 2004 and 2024, in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, were included. After screening and applying the eligibility criteria, 28 studies comprised the final sample, including case reports, case series, observational studies, reviews, and one institutional document. The analysis was performed descriptively, organizing the findings by thematic axes.
Conclusion: Microsurgical reimplantation is considered the gold standard in the treatment of scalping, with success rates exceeding 85%, especially when performed with an ischemia time of less than 6 hours. Factors such as surgical technique, number of anastomoses, and postoperative management directly influence the prognosis. However, limitations persist related to the low level of evidence from available studies and the scarcity of systematic assessments of psychosocial impacts. The need for multidisciplinary approaches and prospective studies that integrate clinical outcomes and quality of life is highlighted.
Keywords: Scalping; Microsurgical reimplantation; Craniofacial trauma; Reconstruction; Psychosocial impact
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Copyright (c) 2026 João Gabriel Gusmão Ribeiro, Maria Jordanna de Almeida Rocha, Hugo Franklin Lima de Oliveira
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