The use of pedicled expanded flaps for aesthetic resurfacing of the burned face.
Reconstruction of extensive, deep burns of the face is a challenging problem in plastic surgery. The authors report the use of tissue expanders placed in the upper chest for facial resurfacing after burn injuries in 4 patients. The expanders are hyperinflated. The flap is then advanced upward to resurface an aesthetic unit of the face with the pedicle intact. The pedicle is divided 2 weeks later. The method of reconstruction allows a large area of facial resurfacing to be performed without fear of flap loss or flap retraction impairing the cosmetic result. This technique has the disadvantage of being a staged procedure and cannot be performed in those with burns of the upper chest.
Hoekstra
K
K
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Universitas Hospital, Bloemfontein and Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa.
Hudson
D A
DA
Smith
A W
AW
D002056:Burns / Q000601:surgery*; D002648:Child; D005151:Facial Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D013524:Surgical Flaps