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Facial Plast Surg 2001; 17(4): 245-252
DOI: 10.1055/s-2001-18824
Copyright © 2001 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Tissue Expansion and Serial Excision in Scar Revision

Sam P. Mostafapour1 , Craig S. Murakami2
  • 1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA
  • 2Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Facial Plastic Surgery, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA
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Publication History

Publication Date:
05 December 2001 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Scars in the head and neck caused by trauma or extirpative surgery can present a significant problem to the patient and may require revision. A variety of techniques, both surgical and nonsurgical, exists for treatment of unsightly scars. Surgical excision of scars relies upon recruitment of local tissue for closure of the ensuing defect. Tissue expansion and serial scar excision may be used to provide more tissue for advancement or local flap coverage of revised scars. Herein we review the history, technique, and complications of tissue expansion and serial excision as well as the basic scientific principles underlying these techniques.

KEYWORD

Tissue expansion - review - serial excision - scar revision

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