Tissue Expansion

Tissue expansion is a relatively straightforward procedure that enables the body to "grow" extra skin for use in reconstructing almost any part of the body. A silicone balloon expander is inserted under the skin near the area to be repaired and then gradually filled with salt water over time, causing the skin to stretch and grow. It is most commonly used for breast reconstruction following breast removal-but it's also used to repair skin damaged by birth defects, accidents or surgery, and in certain cosmetic procedures. 

 

Average Length

2 to 4 hours

 

Anesthesia

General

 

Inpatient/Outpatient

Outpatient

 

Risks

The most common concern is that the silicone expander used in the procedure will break or leak while it is in the body. While expanders are rigorously tested and placed with care, leaks do occur. If the expander should leak, the salt-water solution, also known as saline, used to fill the expander is harmlessly absorbed by your system and the expander is replaced in a relatively minor surgical procedure. A small percentage of patients develop an infection around the expander. While this may occur at any time, it's most often seen within a few weeks after the expander is inserted. In some cases, the expander may need to be removed for several months until the infection clears. A new expander can then be inserted.

 

Recovery

Most tissue expansion patients find they can keep up with their normal routine while the expander is in place. Following the second surgery, most patients are up and about within a week.

 

Am I Good Candidate?

Almost anyone in need of additional skin can benefit from tissue expansion-from infants to elderly men and women.

The procedure is used widely in breast reconstruction when there is not enough skin to accommodate a permanent implant to restore a woman's natural appearance. It is also an option for repairing or replacing areas of the scalp, where hair growth makes it difficult to replace lost tissue with skin from other areas of the body.