Avoiding extended scar in skin expansion: Alagoz technique

Alagöz M. A., Öksüz S., Keskin M., YAŞAR E. K., Eren F., Hasdemir M., ...More

Journal of Craniofacial Surgery, vol.26, no.4, 2015 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 26 Issue: 4
  • Publication Date: 2015
  • Doi Number: 10.1097/scs.0000000000001591
  • Journal Name: Journal of Craniofacial Surgery
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Keywords: Short scar expansion, skin expansion, subdefect expansion
  • Istanbul Medipol University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The principal aim of skin expansion is to provide additional donor tissue without extra donor-site morbidity. Most of the reports about tissue expansion are focused on the properties of expander. Donor-site decision is usually underestimated. Here, we offer to use the defect area and surrounding healthy tissue as the donor site. In 4 cases, expanders were placed just under the defect in a fashion to extend 1 to 2 cm more laterally toward the encircling healthy tissue. The expanded tissue was not mobilized for longer distances; thus, there was no loss in flap gain. The resulting final scar was linear or crescentic. In the Alagoz technique, tissue gain similar in size to the defect is sufficient for reconstruction. The simpler the flap, the best the resulting scar.