Tissue expansion in the treatment of giant congenital melanocytic nevi of the upper extremity.

The aim of our study was to use tissue expansion for the treatment of giant congenital melanocytic nevi of the upper extremity and examine potential advantages over traditional techniques.There were 3 stages in the treatment of giant congenital melanocytic nevi of the upper extremities using tissue expansion: first, the expander was inserted into the subcutaneous pocket; second, the expander was removed, lesions were excised, and the wound of the upper extremity was placed into the pocket to delay healing; third, the residual lesion was excised and the pedicle was removed. The pedicle flap was then unfolded to resurface the wound.During the period between June 2007 and December 2015, there were 11 patients with giant congenital melanocytic nevi of the upper extremities who underwent reconstruction at our department with skin expansion. Few complications were noted in each stage of treatment. The functional and aesthetic results were observed and discussed in this study.Optimal aesthetic and functional results were obtained using tissue expansion to reconstruct the upper extremities due to the giant congenital melanocytic nevi.