Aesthetic Improvement of Burn Scar by Tangential Excision and Thin Split Thickness Skin Graft

Abstract

Background Burn injuries of the extremity can result in cosmetically offensive appearance. Postburn scar can improve by the combination of tangential excision and thin split-thickness skin graft. Methods From January 2005 and December 2012, 17 patients (10 males and 7 females) with postburn scar of the extremity underwent the combined techniques. The median time from initial injury to surgery was 66.2 months (range: 11-288 months). In the operation, burn scar was excised until viable dermis could be observed using electrical dermatome, after which thin split thickness skin graft was performed. Results Tangential excision and thin split thickness skin graft gave excellent grafting results without the need of reoperation. Depigmentation in the majority of patients were recovered within a year by the operation of thin split thickness skin graft. Recovery of range of motion and cosmetic results were good in all patients. Conclusions Tangential excision and thin split thickness skin graft are a good way of the reconstruction of deformed and depigmented skin from burns on extremity.