R G Bennett1, M Hirt. 1. Department of Medicine (Dermatology), University of Southern California School of Medicine, Los Angeles.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Tissue expansion has become a widely used adjunct in reconstruction of the skin. OBJECTIVE: To trace the history of the concept of tissue expansion from the ancient to the latest medical literature. METHODS: We reviewed the technologic developments in the materials and methods of tissue expansion. RESULTS: Tissue expansion is of clinical importance and can be understood by the biochemical, biomechanical, and histologic features of expanded skin. CONCLUSION: Tissue expansion is becoming widely used and accepted and its continued use under many circumstances is justified by the experimental and clinical results.
BACKGROUND: Tissue expansion has become a widely used adjunct in reconstruction of the skin. OBJECTIVE: To trace the history of the concept of tissue expansion from the ancient to the latest medical literature. METHODS: We reviewed the technologic developments in the materials and methods of tissue expansion. RESULTS: Tissue expansion is of clinical importance and can be understood by the biochemical, biomechanical, and histologic features of expanded skin. CONCLUSION: Tissue expansion is becoming widely used and accepted and its continued use under many circumstances is justified by the experimental and clinical results.