Objective To investigate the clinical application of skin soft-tissue expansion in repairing large-cicatricial alopecia. Methods From January 1989 to December 2003, 38 cases of large cicatricial alopecia were repaired by expanding scalp. The scalp was expanded, the cicatrix area was resected and the mode of propulsive or rotary flap was adopted. The size of alopecia ranged from 15 cm×7 cm to 23 cm×15 cm. Results The cicatricial alopecia in all the 38 cases was repaired and the hair growth was excellent during 1.2 year follow-up. Conclusion The soft tissue expansion technique is the initiative choice and an efficient method for repairing large cicatricial alopecia.
