Cutis verticis gyrata (CVG) REPAIR
What IS Cutis verticis gyrata (CVG)?
Cutis verticis gyrata (CVG) is a rare skin condition where excessive folding and thickening of the scalp results in a ridged or furrowed appearance. This condition is sometimes described as having the appearance of the surface of the brain. While CVG is primarily a cosmetic concern, it can sometimes be associated with underlying medical conditions.
CVG can be classified into primary and secondary forms. This classification can be confusing to patients but the important thing to keep in mind is whether your CVG is associated with any other medical problems. If there is any doubt, one should always consult with one’s doctor to see if there are any underlying conditions which could be related to your CVG. Patients who come to us typically have “Primary Essential” CVG, which means their CVG has no known cause and is not associated with any underlying conditions. It typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood and is more common in men than in women. Usually, CVG progresses over the course of a few years and then stabilizes. It usually does not improve on its own.
While CVG itself has no effect on your health, it can have a significant impact on self-esteem and quality of life due to its cosmetic appearance. A variety of treatments have been tried for CVG over the years. We have found that Scalp Reduction is by far the best treatment for CVG. We have seen many patients who have wasted thousands of dollars on unsuccessful treatments including localized surgical treatment (subcision) or hyaluronidase injections. Scalp expansion, carried out over the course of 12 weeks or longer may have some merit, but most patients simply cannot undergo this demanding procedure. Therefore, we believe that Scalp Reduction is the most beneficial treatment for most patients with CVG. After Scalp Reduction, our patients see significant improvement in their CVG.
What is Cutis Verticis Gyrata (CVG) | Rare Scalp Condition
What to Expect During and After Scalp Reduction for CVG
When you come to our clinic for Scalp Reduction to treat your CVG, here is what you can expect. Dr. Cooley will take pictures and assess your level of CVG. You will be given sedatives to relax you. He will then propose a plan uniquely tailored to your situation. The pattern of the incision will be described and explained. Once in the OR, you will be comfortably positioned on the table and given another sedative. Most patients sleep through most of the procedure. We use local anesthetic to numb up the scalp. Incisions will be made on the scalp, and excess skin removed. You will mostly be sleeping but you may be aware of some pulling and tugging. Once the surgery is complete, you will be kept in the clinic for some time to make sure everything is fine. You will return to the hotel to rest up. We will have you return to the clinic the next day for a shampoo and a check. We will make sure everything looks good before your trip home.
After the surgery is completed, you will see about 60-70% of the improvement immediately. The remaining 30-40% improvement will come over the next several weeks and months as the skin continues to relax and smooth out. By 6 months, the results are complete, and a decision can be made about the need for an additional Scalp Reduction or other procedures.
It is important to keep in mind that you are trading CVG for surgical scars. Most patients are happy with the results and don’t mind the scars. If the scars are bothersome, hair can be transplanted into the scar or scalp micropigmentation (SMP) can be done.
PRP therapy can successfully minimize hair loss when used as part of a comprehensive hair restoration treatment plan. The nutrient-rich plasma rejuvenates aging follicles and can reinvigorate thinning areas of the scalp to produce thicker hair. While PRP therapy cannot completely revive bald spots or rebuild hairlines, it can make a marked improvement in hair density and overall coverage, especially for patients with diffused hair loss.
Results following PRP treatments are highly variable and may not be the same among all patients. Some patients can experience results lasting for two years or longer, while others may need to schedule a second procedure to increase results. Unlike other hair restoration clinics, Cooley Hair Center does not require appointments scheduled every three to four months. Dr. Cooley’s approach usually requires only one visit per year, sometimes every two years.
While PRP’s benefits are evident by its efficacy for hair loss patients, it works best as one part of a wide-reaching approach to hair restoration. When used in conjunction with PRP therapy, medicated products like Rogaine and Propecia can effectively manage ongoing hair loss, while hair transplants can restore hair to balding areas of the scalp.
A picture is worth a thousand words, so make sure to visit our Before & After gallery to view real results on real patients.
FULL CVG GALLERY
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If you are interested in the latest in hair restoration procedures, then consider PRP treatments from Cooley Hair Center. Dr. Cooley has directly contributed towards the research on this emerging treatment method and is proud to offer it to his hair loss patients. To learn more about PRP therapy or to book an appointment, call us today at 704-542-1601.