Management of extensive burns alopecia by pre-expanded bipedicle fronto-occipital flap

ABSTRACT

During the last two years, eight patients were treated from extensive post-burn cicatricial alopecia [including the frontal area] by bipedicle fronto-occipital flap using tissue expanders. The frontal hairline was recreated reasonably. Extensive scalp defects up to 350 cm2 or 40% of the skull surface were managed by this flap, obtaining a normal hair-bearing skin with a dense hair. The selected expander was according to its measurements and its shape in relation to the surface area of the defect and the site of expansion. Reconstruction of any residual sideburn can be accomplished by transferring a random postauricular scalp flap to the preauricular region [if available]. The technique advantages and results were discussed