Tissue expansion techniques in burn reconstruction.

The functional or aesthetic burn deformity invariably is the consequence of a local skin shortage. The ideal solution would be replacement with new normal tissues, and these can now be created via an adaptation of the natural phenomenon of tissue expansion. Representative examples of hypertrophic scars, skin grafts, and in particular burn alopecia are presented to demonstrate the superior improvements previously not possible with conventional techniques. The concept of tissue expansion deserves an important place in secondary burn reconstruction.