[Technic of tissue expansion].

The technique of tissue expansion is rapidly developing. It resolves certain problems encountered in plastic and reconstructive surgery, in the scalp, for example, which constitutes an ideal indication. A correct strategy and technique, together with well defined indications allows a very significant reduction in the complication rate. The choice of prosthesis and its location also play an important role. There are many indications in the scalp, but tissue expansion may also be useful in Poland's syndrome, in giant naevi in children and for expansion of certain flaps. Rapid intra-operative expansion also appears to be a promising technique.