British journal of plastic surgery
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Controlled expansion is a technique that increases the area of local tissue available for reconstruction. An extension of this is to expand free flaps prior to elevation, thereby increasing their area. This has been particularly useful in children where there may be insufficient tissue available at free flap donor sites. ⋯ Measurements indicate an approximate doubling in skin area. There has been normal growth of the affected limbs and there has been no donor site morbidity. Apart from small areas of narrow marginal necrosis at the tip of the flaps in the first three cases, which were of no consequence, healing at the recipient site was complete.
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A prospective trial was performed to ascertain the value of padded head dressings following the correction of prominent ears. Twenty consecutive adults and 20 consecutive children were included. The results are discussed and certain recommendations suggested.