THE TREATMENT OF BURN SCAR HYPOPIGMENTATION AND SURFACE IRREGULARITY BY DERMABRASION AND THIN SKIN-GRAFTING

Scar tissue and leukoderma-type discoloration of the skin due to deep burns are treated by dermabrasion and thin split-thickness skin-graft application. This method was applied to 18 patients on whom the treated lesion sites were located as follows: 8 in the facial area, 9 on the extremities, and 1 on the neck. Adequate repigmentation and flat surfaces were obtained in all patients at the end of 6 months, and results persist at the end of a considerable follow-up period (1 to 4 years). The technique, advantages, disadvantages, and results are discussed. © 1990 American Society of Plastic Surgeons.