Objective To improve the efficiency of skin soft tissueexpansion with the overlapping tissue expansion techniques. Methods From June 2003 to March 2005, 5 cases of skin soft tissue defects were treated with the overlapping tissue expansion techniquetwo overlapped expanders in one soft tissue pocket, which was different from the traditional technique——one expander in one soft tissue pocket. Five patients included 3 males and 2 females, aging from 11 to 28 years. The defect was caused by scar of forearm in 2 cases, by melanotic nevus in 1 caseand by cicatricial baldness in 2 cases. The disease course was 1.5 to 24 years. Thedefect size ranged from 12 cm×5 cm to 13 cm×12 cm. Results Skin expansion process was satisfactory and skin defect was completely repaired with the expanded skin tissue in one operation in 5 cases. After operation, the wound of donor-recipient site healed by first intention. All patients were followed up from 3 to 15months, no contracture, pigmentation and scar occurred at the expanded skin area. The long-term appearances were satisfactory. Conclusion Compare with the traditional tissue expansion techniques, the new overlapping tissue expansion techniques can apparently improve the efficiency of skin soft tissue expansion. Itis suitable for the patients whose expandable skin is limited or no more skin tissue can be dissected near the skin defect and who need more expandable skin torepair skin defect.