The modeling of skin expanders.

In this paper we present mathematical models of tissue expanders of several shapes. Within the restrictions of the models, relations are given between surface-area gain and volume of the expanders. It is shown that for the most frequently used expander shapes, the relevant formulas are simple and do not require computer facilities. It is discussed that the approach unavoidably leads to considerable overestimation of the area gain but may serve as a necessary starting point for further research. Furthermore, the rate of overestimation appears to follow such a regular pattern that it can quite easily be compensated for by means of a correcting factor.