Long-Term Results in Scalp Tissue Expansion in Children

Abstract

Tissue expansion remains a good technique to repair large lesions of the scalp in children. The deformation of the skull spontaneously resolves and does not have any consequence on brain growth. The widening of the scar is a common problem in children but can be reduced by suture in two layers associated with local reconstruction. Moreover, young children do not keep any unpleasant memory of this period and are not susceptible to social pressure.

Safety and effectiveness of surgical excision of medium, large, and giant congenital melanocytic nevi: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Reported by two studies of tissue expansion in children. 47,54 Impact of surgery on QoL of patients during the week after the intervention Not at all: 0.0%, A little: 70.4%, A lot: 25.9%, Very much: 3.7%. Reported by Ceballos-Rodríguez ( n = 136) in a study of tissue expansion, serial excision, and skin grafting.…”

“…Patient age, CMN location, and extent of excision NR. 38,47,49,54 Hyperpigmentation 12.9% (21/163) 35,40,55 One study reported only unspecified results Warner ( n = 40) 'nine patients required additional surgical procedures due to growth-induced scar contractures, hypertrophy, hirsutism, and pigment changes'. 53 Three studies reported narrative results concerning color of the surgical site 1) Ma ( n = 11) 'a close match in terms of tissue colour'.…”

“…in a study of tissue expansion on the head. 47 Partial cilia loss 35.3% (6/17). This loss was a direct result of excision of CMN that involved the palpebral margin or conjunctiva and was therefore not considered a complication.…”

Scalp expansion: Surgical considerations and possible future directions

“…Tissue expansion has been described extensively as a useful technique for covering large scalp defects [ 1 2 3 4 ] [ Figure 1 ]. Tissue expansion is ideal for scalp defects because the skull acts as a rigid base for the expander and the overlying scalp is thick; this helps reduce the risk of thinning and extrusion of the implant.…”