[The use of expanders in soft-tissue plastic-reconstructive surgery]

Area of Science:

• Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
• Biomaterials Science

Context:

• The advent of silicone elastomers in 1970 revolutionized the use of subcutaneous balloon expanders.
• Skin expanders have become indispensable tools in managing diverse skin and soft-tissue defects across the body.

Purpose:

• To detail the preparation, utilization, and stages involved in employing skin expanders for tissue reconstruction.
• To highlight the importance of patient and tissue tolerance in the application of expander techniques.

Summary:

• The application of skin expanders involves several critical stages: selecting expander size and number, choosing appropriate valve types, determining incision sites and orientation, and deciding on insertion depth and punch size.
• Modern techniques include early (24 hours) and rapid (7-10 days) inflation, with patient and tissue tolerance serving as the primary determinant for implementation.
• Complications are categorized as minor (requiring prolonged expansion) or major (necessitating discontinuation and further procedures).

Impact:

• Skin expanders significantly enhance the capabilities of plastic and reconstructive surgery in treating complex defects.
• Understanding the procedural stages and potential complications is vital for successful clinical outcomes.