Use with tissue expander face, scalp and neck reconstruction

Abstract

The tissue expander has found widespread use in reconstructive surgery. The donor area is needed, the recipient site with similar characteristics (color, thickness, hair follicle) features, minimal scarring and leads to donor site morbidity. In our study, presented face, scalp and neck reconstruction results obtained with the use of expander. The face, scalp and neck areas expander was used to evaluate patients in the Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Department of Yüzüncü Yıl University. Age, gender, expander indication, defect or scar area localization, expander residential area, expander shape, volume, valve location (internal-external), expansion time, major and minor complications were reviewed. 30 number expanders were used in 17 patients (8 male, 9 female patients). Expanders were used burn sequelae in 14 patients, tumor- related defects in 2 patients and due to giant hairy nevus in 1 patient. The expanders are scalp (19 cases), face (3 cases), supraclaviculer (7 cases) and the neck (1 case) has to be placed. In 4 of 17 patients (three major and one minor) complications were encountered. Use the expander is a good option especially in the reconstruction of soft tissue defects in the head and neck region.