Recently, soft tissue expansion technique using tissue expanders has become a popular method for reconstruction of soft tissue defect because it provides high quality tissue with similar color, texture and hair bearing characteristics without significant donor site problems.
During the period September, 1983 to December, 1988, we used tissue expanders to treat 36 patients with soft tissue defect, 3 scalp, 10 face, 6 neck, 4 trunk, 10 upper extremity, 3 lower extremity and evaluated the operative techniques, results and complications as follows.
1. We achieved favorable results in 31 cases(86.1 %), especially in scalp, face and upper extremity, but poor results in lower extremity, especially below knee in location.
2. We experienced major compliations in 2 cases(5.6 %) such as implant exposure and minor complications in 7 cases(19.4 %) such as hematoma, partial necrosis, infection, underlying bony depression etc.
3. Capsular excision is not desirable, but capsular release may permitted to acquire maximal length of the advancing flap.
4. In case of microtia, expanded tissue which was obtained from expanders is defficient for elevation of framework without skin graft.
5. Accurate and meticulous preoperative evaluation is the most impotant factor in achieving good end results.
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