Soft-tissue expansion is a new clinical technique of providing donor tissue for modern reconstructive surgery. This technique provides a quantity of tissue of similar color, texture, and hair-bearing qualities for reconstruction of adjacent defects and makes secondary reconstruction of donor site unnecessary.
Recently, we performed soft-tissue expansion in ten patients with various defects including postburn alopecia, postburn scar, and breast deformity due to paraffinoma removal. Clinical results, histological changes, and complications were evaluated.
Excellent or good results were observed in eigth patients out of a total of ten patient. The major complication rate was 30% in our series due to three major complications, such as infection, esposure of expander, and skin necrosis. On histological study, the epidermis was minimally thickened. Dermis and subcutaneous tissue became thinner, and markedly increased vascularity and collagen synthesis in the dermis compared to preoperative normal histologic findings were also observed. Skin appendages showed no structural changes.
In our experience, the application of the soft-tissue expansion technique has proven to be successful. We have determined that the method is safe, simple, and provides good aesthetic results.
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