Contraction Rates of Meshed, Nonexpanded Split-Thickness Skin Grafts Versus Split-Thickness Sheet Grafts

Perforator-Based Interposition Flaps for Sustainable Scar Contracture Release: A Versatile, Practical, and Safe Technique

“…This clinically significant finding demonstrates the adaptation (expansion/stretching) of the perforator-based flaps as opposed to contraction that normally occurs for split-thickness and full-thickness skin grafts. [1][2][3][4][5] After a mean follow-up of 7.8 months, both the width and surface area of the flaps had expanded, with an increase of 123 percent and 116 percent of the original size, respectively. This flap expansion could not be attributed to a possible difference between the flap size before incision and the size after suturing the flap.…”

“…Unfortunately, the effectiveness of skin grafts is limited by scar contraction, which often necessitates additional reconstructions. [1][2][3][4][5] Recent advances in the field of tissue engineering and dermal substitution may create unique opportunities for burn scar reconstruction in the near future but still render a scar with suboptimal functional and cosmetic qualities. 6 Local flaps of preferably uninjured skin and subcutaneous tissue provide, in theory, a superior and long-lasting effect of contracture release.…”

Basic Surgical Techniques

“…Above 3 : 1 the graft becomes very friable and difficult to handle. The degree of secondary graft contraction is directly proportional to the expansion which is of particular significance when grafting across joint surfaces [23]. After meticulous hemostasis grafts are fixed in place with fibrin glue, sutures, or clips.…”

On the surgical treatment of hypertrophic scars: a comprehensive guideline for the surgical treatment of hypertrophic scars

“…1: Shows different activity patterns for scars; normal, hypertrophic and keloidal. Keloids start to grow after a variable time period following the injury additional reconstructions [24][25][26]. Especially in functional areas where re-contraction is unwanted the use of SSGs should be avoided.…”