[Repair of skin defects by skin extension procedures]

The repair of defects by skin extension involves various procedures which are thoroughly described by the author. Skin extension is an original concept reflecting the viscoelastic properties of the skin and histological changes. It is based on 3 phenomena: "mechanical creep", "stress relaxation" and mobility of the skin. Although the various skin extension procedures present many advantages concerning the application and removal of the device, the conduct and monitoring of treatment as well as closure of the defect, its disadvantages must not be ignored. They are related to the material and to local conditions. The indications for skin extension are fairly wide. However, its ideal indication consists of closure of skin defects with loss of skin capital.