[Cross transposition of expanded scalp flaps for the treatment of postburn cicatricial alopecia].

When the area of alopecia is very large, the normal scalp is not sufficient to cover the defect resulting from excision of the alopecia. From August 1987 to December 1989, 8 cases with large defect of scalp are repaired by means of expanded cross scalp flaps with good result. Among 8 cases, 7 are male and 1 female, and the largest area of alopecia is 300 cm2 and the smallest 112 cm2, with a mean of 191 cm2. Two expanders are buried under the galea aponeurotica on both sides of alopecia, and the scalp is expanded. The central part of the expanded scalp is chosen to form the "major flap", the lateral part of the expanded scalp to form the "adjuvant flap". Two flaps are then crossed and the defect is repaired. The method of scalp expansion and "axial flap" is used in marginal alopecia. An expander is buried under the galea aponeurotica on each side of the alopecia. After the scalp is expanded, the central part of the expanded scalp is chosen to from "axial flap" with the pedicle consisting of superficial temporal artery or occipital artery and the lateral part of the expanded scalp to form the "adjuvant flap". Then two flaps are transposed and the defect is thus repaired.