title: Tissue Expansion in Children.
abstract: Tissue expansion is a well-established surgical method that has been creatively applied to the management of many congenital and acquired pediatric conditions, including the removal of giant congenital melanocytic nevi and the separation of conjoined twins. Careful preoperative planning and patient follow-up are required to achieve the proper results and minimize complications. Special considerations for pediatric patients are present during each step of the process, from patient selection to postoperative care. The complication rate in tissue expansion remains high, though measures can be taken to reduce and effectively manage these complications.
authors.affiliation: Division of Plastic Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.
authors.forename: Tara L
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Braun
authors.affiliation: Division of Plastic Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.
authors.forename: Kristy L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Hamilton
authors.affiliation: Division of Plastic Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.
authors.forename: Laura A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Monson
authors.affiliation: Division of Plastic Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.
authors.forename: Edward P
authors.initials: EP
authors.lastname: Buchanan
authors.affiliation: Division of Plastic Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.
authors.forename: Larry H
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Hollier
keywords: complication prevention and management; pediatric reconstructive surgery; tissue expansion