Is scalp reduction surgery to close small bald spot effective, without further hair loss?

Addressing unwanted bald spots (especially small ones) can be achieved far less invasively using hair transplantation. Through the use of punches, this will involve extracting follicles from the scalp (or body regions, if needed) and inserting them into the empty areas affected by hair loss. Further hair loss is certainly a risk, especially with androgenic alopecia. This was the case with a patient from the Dr. U Hair Clinic in Los Angeles. Besides scalp reduction, other poorly conducted hair restoration results further contributed to his botched results. Due to the exhausted donor supply on his scalp, he required a body hair transplant to repair his overall outcome.

Although hair transplants are the more common way to treat this condition, scalp reductions are still performed.  I would be careful listening to any advice that is stated as absolute against this surgery since many surgeons still perform this type of surgery for the right reasons.  Shock hair loss can occur, but that means it will grow back.  Stretch back can occur, but is minimized with proper technique. 

One complication of a scalp reduction surgery is scarring. Surgery may reduce the scar but it may not be enough for you to appreciate the change.  You need an examination and the doctor needs to tell you realistic goals and expectations.

This is a terrible surgery with many problsm including residual scars and frequent failures. I have wrtten extensive articles on this subject and am a victim of this surgery myself and made it a campaign to stop this surgery from being done. 

The size, shape and location of your defect are important to see if you are at all a candidate for a scalp reduction type of procedure. Photographs would be necessary to really answer you specifically. If you are a candidate, it is a low risk operation. Temporary shock hair loss can occur with any scalp or hair operation. It is under 5% and is not permanent unless there is an active balding process going on. If your bald spot is from male pattern baldness you will likely be better served by hair transplantation.