[Tissue expansion of the superior limb]

In order to get better results in the treatment of the superior limbs defects we have attempted to take profit of the expansion tissue techniqu.

With the objective of studying the utilization of expansion tissue technique to repair defects in the superior limbs caused by scars or tattoos removal.

6 patients with 7 superior limbs defects to be repaired were treated by the technique of tissue expansion with 8 tissue expanders. In 3 patients the lesions were caused by tattoos removal (4 lesions), 2 patients presented lesions caused by burn scars removal nd 1 patient showed lesion caused by removal of a childhood scar.

The result of this procedure was excellent in 5 cases and provided total repair of the lesion. However hazards have occurred in one patient who showed a necrosis of the expansion neighbouring area (not a consequence of the expansion) and in other patient the aesthetic result was not satisfactory because he developed a hypertrophic scar. Good aesthetic results were obtained in the other 4 patients.

We have had good results with the utilization of tissue expanders in the superior extremities. The superior limbs have good capacity of expansion and lead to good aesthetic results. Any significant hazards were observed as being a consequence of superior limb tissue expansion.