title: Reconstruction of post burn scalp alopecia by using expanded hair-bearing scalp flaps.
abstract: 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 & 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 & wound dehiscence. The patients were followed-up weekly during first month and then fortnightly for next four months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  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 & 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%) & wound dehiscence in 2 (6.67%) patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Tissue expansion is a simple, safe, & 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.
authors: Dr. Farhat-ul-Ann Tayyaba, FCPS. Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur, Pakistan.
authors: Farhat Ul Ann
authors: FU
authors: Tayyaba
authors: Dr. Mohammad Mughees Amin, FCPS. Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur, Pakistan.
authors: Mohammad Mughees
authors: MM
authors: Amin
authors: Dr. Sohail Attaur-Rasool, Department of Physiology, Quaid-e-Azam Medical College, Bahawalpur.
authors: Sohail
authors: S
authors: Attaur-Rasool
authors: Dr. Uzma Naseer, FCPS. Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur, Pakistan.
authors: Uzma
authors: U
authors: Naseer
authors: Dr. Akashah Ambar, MBBS. Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur, Pakistan.
authors: Akashah
authors: A
authors: Ambar
keywords: Burn; Scalp reconstruction; Tissue expansion