Dermotraction Technique for the Progressive Closure of Skin Defects with Loss of Substance

Abstract

Introduction: Dermotraction is a surgical method that takes advantage of the viscoelastic properties of the skin to ensure effective, simple, economical, safe, and aesthetically pleasing primary closure.

Objective: To evaluate the results of the dermotraction technique applied in the progressive closure of simple and complex skin defects.

Method: A descriptive, longitudinal, and prospective study was conducted in the plastic surgery and maxillofacial surgery department of the Hermanos Ameijeiras Surgical Clinical Hospital from January 2021 to December 2024. The universe consisted of all patients with skin defects requiring closure by dermotraction technique. The sample consisted of 12 patients who met the selection criteria.

Results: The average age was 44.5 years (20.1%). Females predominated (58.3%), as did hypertension (33.3%) as a comorbidity and grade IV pressure ulcer (25.0%) as the etiological diagnosis; the anterior aspect of the hemithorax (16.7%) and the

 lower hemiabdomen (16.7%) were the most common locations.

There was a decrease in the width (5.4 ± 4.2 cm vs. 2.7 ± 4.0 cm) and surface area (54.6 ± 77.6 cm vs. 30.9 ± 65.9 cm2) of the defect. The percentage of defect contraction was 58.7 ± 21.4%. Healing time of less than two weeks predominated (58.4%). Complications included closure failure (8.3%). Results were good (58.4%), fair (33.3%), and poor (8.3%).

Conclusions: The dermotraction technique allows simple and complex skin defects to be closed with good results and a low risk of complications.