10.  When are tissue expanders used?

Answer:
Tissue expanders are used to overcome the difficulty in closing the donor site of flap surgery of the scalp. They also are useful in scalp reduction surgery by reducing the number of reductions necessary. Expanders are placed under the hairbearing scalp under the galea. After two weeks expansion begins. The main disadvantages are temporary deformity and multiple procedures to place, fill, and remove expander.
 

 BACK TO CORE CURRICULUM TOPICS PAGE