Scalp Repair Using Tissue Expanders

The document "Scalp Repair Using Tissue Expanders" by E. Antonio Mangubat, MD, from 2013, discusses the effectiveness of tissue expanders in repairing large scalp defects, such as those resulting from skin cancer resection, congenital nevus excision, and burn injuries. It emphasizes the importance of careful surgical planning, the use of the largest suitable expander, and the consideration of social factors affecting the expansion process. The paper warns against excessive tension to prevent flap necrosis. A case study is presented of a 35-year-old woman with a 25-cm x 8-cm scalp defect from a childhood burn, who underwent a successful repair using a 1.3-L tissue expander over a 9-month period, despite previous unsuccessful treatments. The author concludes that tissue expansion is a valuable technique for restoring a natural-looking scalp and hairline in challenging cases.