VALUE OF TISSUE EXPANSION FOR THE TREATMENT OF SKIN-LESIONS

We report our experience of tissue expansion for removal of skin tumors in 62 patients treated between 1985 and 1991. Thirty-nine complete and 23 partial excisions were performed. Major complications with complete failure occured in 3 percent of the cases, and minor complications in 10 percent. Skin expansion constitutes a considerable advance in the treatment of benign skin tumors as it reduces the risk of permanent scars and provides a skin that is normal in both quality and colour. In cases where the tumor cannot be entirely removed in one step (e.g. giant hairy naevus, haemolymphangioma) expansion brings quality skin within the most visible areas, enabling complete excisions by re-expansion or skin graft to be contemplated.