Arch Aesthetic Plast Surg.  2013 Oct;19(3):148-153. 10.14730/aaps.2013.19.3.148.

Aesthetic Improvement of Burn Scar by Tangential Excision and Thin Split Thickness Skin Graft

• Hwang SM
• Kim JH
• Kim HD
• Jung YH
• Kim HI

• KMID: 2266911
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14730/aaps.2013.19.3.148

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.

Keyword

Postburn scar; Tangential excision; Thin skin graft

MeSH Terms

Burns*
Cicatrix*
Dermis
Extremities
Humans
Male
Range of Motion, Articular
Reoperation
Skin*
Transplants*