RESUMO
Background and Objective: Tissue expansion is a time-tested and frequently used procedure for utilizing local tissue to replace large defects. We aimed to assess the success and complications of tissue expansion in correction of post burn scalp alopecia
Methods: In this study, 30 patients of scalp burn alopecia of 5 to 35 years age group were treated with tissue expansion of the scalp at Bahawal-Victoria Hospital from January 2013 to December 2014. The area of the scalp loss was within 1/5 to 2/5. Our technique employed an insertion site distal to the area needed to be expanded, attempting to minimize complication like extrusion and wound dehiscence. The patients were followed-up weekly during first month and then fortnightly for next four months
Result: Our study involved 8 male [26.67%] and 22 female subjects [73.33%] with a mean age of 21years. Flame burn accounted for the mostly 53.3% [n=16] of scalp burns and parieto-temporal region was most commonly affected in 33.4% [n=10] of subjects. Desired aesthetic results were achieved in all the patients without any major complication. Minor complication included mild infection in 8 [26.67%], seroma in 4 [13.33%] and wound dehiscence in 2 [6.67%] patients
Conclusion: Tissue expansion is a simple, safe, and efficient technique for aesthetic scalp reconstruction. With a simple modification of distal incision and tunneling, we succeeded in minimizing complications. Versatile design of the expanded scalp flap can distribute the expanded hair-bearing scalp properly in the reconstructed recipient site