[Repair of the postburn scar of face, neck and chest with extensive tissue expanding technique].
OBJECTIVE
To explore the treatment effects of extensive tissue expanding technique on the postburn scar of face, neck and chest.


METHODS
The technique was applied in 13 patients with post-burn scar of face, neck and chest. Different number of expanders (usually 5-8) with volume of 30 ml to 450 ml each were implanted under the adjacent normal skin. The principle of plastic surgery was observed during the operation with attention to locating sear lines along leavage lines and in obscure areas. The criteria for cure were correct restoration of the position of the five organs on the face, restoration of the correct angle of jaw and neck and avoidance of skin grafting on the chest.


RESULTS
All the postburn scar on face, neck and chest was removed en masse with all the flaps survived with satisfactory color and texture with this technique. In addition, the appearance and the function of facial organs and neck and chest were restored perfectly.


CONCLUSIONS
Extensive tissue expanding technique is satisfactory in the repair of postburn scars of face, neck and chest.
Hu
D
D
Department of Burns, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi Province, P. R. China.
Xu
M
M
Chen
B
B
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002056:Burns / Q000628:therapy*; D002648:Child; D002921:Cicatrix; D005151:Facial Injuries / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019838:Neck Injuries / Q000628:therapy*; D013898:Thoracic Injuries / Q000628:therapy*