Plastic Surgery Interventions for Localized Scleroderma Deformities: an Evidence Synthesis.

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Plastic Surgery
• Connective Tissue Diseases

Background:

• Localized scleroderma (LS), also known as morphea, is a chronic connective tissue disease causing skin hardening, fibrosis, and atrophy.
• While immunosuppressants manage LS activity, they are less effective in reversing established skin sclerosis.
• Plastic surgery techniques are explored for aesthetic and functional impairments in LS patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current plastic surgery strategies for treating localized scleroderma.
• To evaluate the efficacy of surgical interventions in addressing the physical consequences of LS.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of plastic surgery strategies for LS.
• Searches conducted in electronic databases (PubMed, MEDLINE) and reference lists of relevant articles.

Main Results:

• Surgical techniques like flap reconstruction, autologous fat grafting, and follicular unit transplantation show efficacy.
• These methods address skin atrophy, hair loss, and facial deformities, improving aesthetics and function.
• Challenges include donor site limitations, graft survival, and potential fibrosis recurrence.

Conclusions:

• Plastic surgery can significantly improve the quality of life for LS patients.
• It offers solutions for aesthetic concerns when conventional treatments are insufficient.