Tissue expansion in the treatment of alopecia.

During the period December, 1983 to August, 1984, 14 patients were treated for alopecia of the scalp using tissue expansion in the Northern Ireland Plastic and Maxillo-Facial Service. Nine of the defects were due to burns. Representative case reports are presented and the planning of advancement and rotation flaps described. The management and prevention of complications are discussed, and the conclusion drawn that tissue expansion is a valuable technique in the treatment of alopecia, allowing reconstruction of defects previously beyond adequate surgical repair.