[Esthetic and functional scar sequelae: plastic reconstruction of soft tissue]

The irregularities of a scarred area result of the destruction or alteration of the soft tissues. Functional consequences may occur if the scar tissue directly apply on a bony structure without any protection against shocks. Finally an underlying osteitis or unconsolidated fracture cannot be cured unless a good skin coverage and sufficient local vascularization are obtained. Secondary correction of the scar deformations intend to create a new subcutaneous layer. This can be done with adjacent adipous tissue, or by transfer of a well vascularized tissue, such as a muscle, if the underlying structures make it necessary. Some recent techniques are illustrated, especially tissue expansion and pediculated or free microvascular muscle transfer.