A far stretch? Skin device to ease complicated cosmetic surgery

17 Oct 2022 --- EASApprox, a minimally invasive skin-stretching device could provide a promising alternative to the surgical treatment of large scalp defects, according to recent research. The report pegs the method of having good functional and cosmetic results with a low complication rate, proving to be beneficial as most cosmetic procedures for scalp defects are complicated operations with general anesthesia.

The technical report by Dr. Peng Chen and colleagues of Chongqing University Central Hospital, China, says the “relatively simple” skin-stretching technique may help many patients with scalp defects avoid the need for difficult skin flap, graft procedures or prolonged healing times.

In addition to the report published in the Journal of Craniofacial Surgery, the researchers recorded a video in which they demonstrated the process on a patient.

Procedures in patients
Reporting on their experience with the skin-stretching device, Dr. Chen and colleagues say the device is effective for treatment.

A 28-year-old female patient suffered scalp avulsion due to TBI.The EASApprox gadget lets the surgeon gently stretch the skin on either side of scalp deformities because it was made for the special qualities of scalp tissue.

Additionally, the gadget was employed by the researchers to treat scalp abnormalities in 12 patients over the course of a year. Pressure ulcers in six patients, avulsion trauma in three patients and poorly healed incisions in three patients were the causes of their scalp wounds.

Each patient endured three to five cycles of stretching. A maximum of three kilograms of tension was applied for four minutes during each cycle and then released for one minute. Local anesthetic was used during the procedures, which took an average of 45 minutes to complete.

Two-week time period
In ten patients, the stretching method produced enough skin to allow for direct suture closure of the wounds. The wounds in the other two cases were allowed to heal gradually while receiving frequent dressing changes.

In 11 out of 12 instances, the scalp abnormalities were successfully treated; the typical healing time was two weeks. The remaining patient suffered from infection-related problems brought on by immobility and inadequate nutrition.

Evaluation of the end results revealed acceptable scarring, decent skin tone and elasticity. There were no significant side effects like necrosis or tearing of the wound through the third month of follow-up.

None of the patients experienced skin pain, numbness or any other discomfort in the area that was being treated.

The researchers conclude that the device poses the “advantages of convenient operation, acceptable functional results, without severe complications, and add that, “in addition to traditional treatment, this was a promising treatment.”

However, they highlight the need for “more clinical and preclinical research of the skin-stretching device.”

By Mieke Meintjes