Usage of tissue expansion in the treatment of postburn and posttraumatic sequelae

Abstract

Introduction: Replacement of postbum or posttraumatic scars with good quality skin represents, nowadays, the standard of treatment for this pathology. Tissue expansion is a straightforward technique, providing large skin flaps whose color and texture matches the area to be reconstructed, achieving optimal final aesthetic result. Objectives: The purpose of this paper is to present results achieved in our clinic in the treatment of postbum or posttraumatic sequelae in the head and neck area, using tissue expansion. Material and methods: A retrospective analysis of medical records during a period of three years (2006-2009) was performed. In this period of time, we treated 27 (34 expander insertions) patients with postbum or posttraumatic scars located on the scalp, face and neck. Results: Total scar replacement was achieved in 22 patients (84.61%), using staged surgery. Due to wide scar involvement, 4 patients (14.82%), are still under treatment. Complications were minor in 3 cases (11.11%) (minor skin necrosis before the transposition - 1; minor skin necrosis after the transposition - 1, expander exposure that did not lead to expander removal - 1), or required expander removal in 2 cases (7.41%) Complications requiring expander removal were: infection in 1 case and expander leakage in 1 case. Conclusions: The use of tissue expanders in order to reconstruct postbum sequelae is a valuable and easy technique, leading to superior aesthetic results. Disadvantages are the price of the expanders, long duration of the treatment multiple procedures required and the inconvenience caused by the temporary deformity during balloon inflation.