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Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of tissue expansion between adults and children. Background Postburn alopecia of the scalp is a huge surgical challenge. In 1957, Charles Neuman first described the use of gradual tension, leading to the expansion of skin by an inflatable balloon, buried subcutaneously above the ear. In 1975, both Radovan and Austad's group began working on soft-tissue expansion. Patients and methods This study included 40 patients divided into two groups – group A included 20 children aged 5–12 years, and group B included 20 adults aged 16–29 years. All patients suffered from postburn scalp alopecia, reconstructed using tissue expanders, with volume capacity ranging from 100 to 550 ml. Results Infection occurred in four adults and 10 children, exposed expander was found in three adults and eight children, exposed valve line was found in three adults and three children, and ischemia of the flap in one child. Conclusion Using tissue expanders is a reliable and safe method for reconstructing postburn alopecia with a very good outcome in adult patients compared with young children.

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