[Skin flaps and expanded full-thickness skin grafts. Indications in the repair of burn sequelae]

Abstract

The great majority of sequelae of deep burns concern the skin. Their correction essentially raises problems of replacement of scarred skin by good quality skin. Sequelae of burns logically constitute one of the best indications for progressive mechanical skin expansion by prosthesis, which allows for considerable improvement of the aesthetic results. This improvement is related to the use of skin replacement tissues with the same quality as the original tissue. Local expanded flaps and expanded full-thickness skin grafts are the two essential techniques used. The authors review the general rules concerning the use of expansion prostheses, then describe the various indications for expanded flaps and expanded full-thickness skin grafts in the sequelae of burns of the face, neck, thorax and limbs. The main indications are illustrated by clinical cases.