Tissue expanders in children

Tissue expanders are particularly applicable in the pediatric population. They are extremely well tolerated by children and can withstand the everyday play and trauma unique to children. Over the past 2 years, we have used 26 tissue expanders in 17 pediatric patients. Fifteen of the 17 patients successfully underwent reconstructive surgery with the aid of expanders. The expander became exposed in two patients, necessitating removal. In each of these patients, a more complicated and less satisfactory method of reconstruction was performed.