Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
The use of skin expansion to repair cosmetic defects in animals.
- Journal:
- Veterinary surgery : VS
- Year:
- 1989
- Authors:
- Madison, J B et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Clinical Studies
Plain-English summary
In a study involving three horses, one heifer, and one dog, researchers used a technique called skin expansion to help fix cosmetic issues. This method involved placing a silicone device under the skin and slowly filling it with a saltwater solution to stretch the skin. This stretching allowed the skin to be moved and stitched over the defects without putting too much pressure on it. Out of the five animals treated, four had successful results, but one had complications where the device failed and needed to be replaced. Overall, skin expansion appears to be a useful option for closing skin defects in areas where traditional methods might not work well.
Abstract
Skin expansion was used in three horses, one heifer, and one dog to aid in the repair of cosmetic defects. Skin expansion was produced by inserting an expandable silicone device subcutaneously and gradually inflating the device with saline. Skin expansion allowed skin to be mobilized and sutured over cosmetic defects without excessive tension. A successful outcome was achieved in four of the five cases reported here. In one animal, two attempts to create a pocket for a silicone prosthesis failed because the expanders ruptured. Complications included implant failure, wound dehiscence, and exposure of an expander. Skin expansion can be used to enable closure of skin defects in areas where skin tension usually precludes repair by local transposition.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2929134/