[The surgical treatment of cicatrix alopecia of the hairy scalp using tissue expansion]

Abstract

Surgical correction was carried out in 25 patients with cosmetically disturbing cicatricial scalp defects, due to injury, irradiation or infection. The use of tissue expanders, creating an increase in hair covered skin, has proved invaluable, giving excellent cosmetic result. In most patients complete closure of their defect was obtained with two operations: first placement of the expander and later its removal, excision of the scar and advancement of the flaps. In some patients additional punch grafts were applied. Complications occurred in two patients (leakage of the expander owing to an exostosis on the skull; infection via a filling tube placed percutaneously contrary to the protocol). If the protocol is meticulously followed, surgical treatment of cicatricial alopecia can be performed with minimal complications. On follow up the results were excellent and all patients were highly satisfied. It may be expected that the long-term result will remain excellent.