Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2026
Quantification of Strain in a Porcine Model of Skin Expansion Using Multi-View Stereo and Isogeometric Kinematics
Published on: April 16, 2017
Pediatric cervicofacial tissue expansion
Keith A Hurvitz1, Heather Rosen, John G Meara
1University of California Irvine, Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery Institute, Irvine, CA, USA.
Insights
Pediatric cervicofacial tissue expansion has a high complication rate, similar to previous studies. Careful patient selection and informed consent are crucial for this reconstructive option.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Pediatric Surgery
- Reconstructive Surgery
Background:
- Tissue expanders are utilized for large pediatric defect reconstruction.
- Cervicofacial tissue expansion is a common reconstructive technique in children.
- This study focuses on the specific outcomes of cervicofacial tissue expansion in pediatric patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the experience with cervicofacial tissue expansion in pediatric patients.
- To identify complication rates and types associated with pediatric cervicofacial tissue expansion.
- To evaluate the viability of this technique in pediatric reconstructive surgery.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 89 children undergoing head and neck tissue expansion.
- Analysis of 182 total tissue expander placements.
- Categorization of indications including congenital nevi, burn scars, and vascular malformations.
Main Results:
- A 30.8% complication rate was observed across 182 expander placements.
- Common complications included exposure, infection, leakage, and flap necrosis.
- Expanders in the neck region demonstrated the highest complication frequency.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric cervicofacial tissue expansion exhibits a high complication rate, consistent with prior research.
- Despite complications, tissue expansion remains a valuable reconstructive choice for pediatric patients.
- Emphasizes the importance of meticulous patient selection, education, and informed consent.
Introduction:
Tissue expanders have long been used for reconstructing large cutaneous and fascio-cutaneous defects in children. Previous studies have examined tissue expansion for all body regions, touching upon the head and neck regions. We present a focused review of our experience with cervicofacial tissue expansion in the pediatric population.
Materials And Methods:
We retrospectively reviewed 89 children who underwent tissue expansion of the head and neck regions at Children's Hospital of Los Angeles. Most patients underwent multiple expander placements bringing the total expander number to 182. Indications for expansion included congenital nevus [N=39], burn scar [N=14], hemangioma/lymphangioma/arteriovenous malformation [N=11], scar due to trauma [N=10], congenital anomaly [N=5], sebaceous nevus [N=3], cutis aplasia [N=2], tumor [N=2], infection [N=2] and scleroderma [N=1].
Results:
Of the 182 expanders placed, 56 had an associated complication (30.8%). The most frequent complications included exposure, infection, leakage, migration, flap necrosis, wound separation, and skull bone remodeling. Expanders placed in the neck appeared to have the highest complication rate.
Conclusions:
This retrospective review identified a high complication rate in pediatric cervicofacial tissue expansion, which is similar to previously published studies. Despite these findings, tissue expansion in pediatric patients should continue to remain a viable reconstructive option, however, proper patient selection; patient education and informed consent involving a discussion of the expected treatment course and risk profile should be undertaken.
