Aesthetic Improvement of Burn Scar by Tangential Excision and Thin Split Thickness Skin Graft.
10.14730/aaps.2013.19.3.148
- Author:
So Min HWANG
1
;
Jang Hyuk KIM
;
Hyung Do KIM
;
Yong Hui JUNG
;
Hong Il KIM
Author Information
1. Aesthetic, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Center Good Moonhwa Hospital, Busan, Korea. lexusair@gmail.com
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Postburn scar;
Tangential excision;
Thin skin graft
- MeSH:
Burns*;
Cicatrix*;
Dermis;
Extremities;
Humans;
Male;
Range of Motion, Articular;
Reoperation;
Skin*;
Transplants*
- From:Archives of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
2013;19(3):148-153
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Burn injuries of the extremity can result in cosmetically offensive appearance. Postburn scar can improve by the combination of tangential excision and thin split-thickness skin graft. METHODS: From January 2005 and December 2012, 17 patients (10 males and 7 females) with postburn scar of the extremity underwent the combined techniques. The median time from initial injury to surgery was 66.2 months (range: 11-288 months). In the operation, burn scar was excised until viable dermis could be observed using electrical dermatome, after which thin split thickness skin graft was performed. RESULTS: Tangential excision and thin split thickness skin graft gave excellent grafting results without the need of reoperation. Depigmentation in the majority of patients were recovered within a year by the operation of thin split thickness skin graft. Recovery of range of motion and cosmetic results were good in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Tangential excision and thin split thickness skin graft are a good way of the reconstruction of deformed and depigmented skin from burns on extremity.
