The use of tissue expansion in burn scar reconstruction.

Abstract

The use of tissue expansion is described in patients with burn-scarred skin. Twenty-six tissue expanders were inserted into seven selected patients undergoing burn reconstruction. Expansion usually was completed rapidly, with injections generally done every two to three days over a three-to five-week period. In only one case did use of an expander fail to result in adequate tissue expansion. Complications included implant exposure (6/26 cases), injection port exposure (1/26), infection (2/26), and transient nerve palsy (1/26). Implant exposure did not preclude continued tissue expansion and ultimate reconstruction. In selected patients, expansion of burn-scarred skin has a definite role in burn scar reconstruction.