Postirradiation extensive cicatricial scalp alopecia treated by tissue expansion.

The scalp of a 20-year-old woman with extensive cicatricial alopecia caused by x-ray irradiation for tinea capitis has been reconstructed by the use of tissue expansion. Two stages were required to reconstruct the large defect. The hair-bearing posterior scalp has been expanded to cover the whole irradiated area, creating a new anterior hairline and a pleasing cosmetic result.