Tissue expansion

Tissue expansion is a common surgical procedure that allows the body to "grow" extra skin for use in reconstructing almost any part of the body. This technique is widely used in breast reconstruction, especially following mastectomy.

Procedure

The procedure involves inserting a silicone balloon expander under the skin near the area to be repaired. The balloon is then gradually filled with sterile saline water over time, causing the skin to stretch and grow. It is a similar principle to how a woman's abdomen stretches during pregnancy.

Uses

Tissue expansion is used in a variety of reconstructive procedures, including:

• Breast reconstruction: This is the most common use of tissue expansion. It is often performed following a mastectomy to recreate the breast mound.
• Burn repair: Tissue expansion can be used to repair skin damaged by severe burns.
• Scar revision: The procedure can be used to replace scarred skin with new skin.
• Hair transplant: In some cases, tissue expansion can be used to treat areas of the scalp that lack hair.

Risks and Complications

Like any surgical procedure, tissue expansion has potential risks and complications. These may include infection, expander leakage or rupture, and poor cosmetic outcome. It is important to discuss these risks with your surgeon before deciding on the procedure.

Recovery

Recovery from tissue expansion surgery varies depending on the individual and the extent of the surgery. It is important to follow all post-operative instructions provided by your surgeon to ensure the best possible outcome.

See Also

• Breast reconstruction
• Mastectomy
• Plastic surgery
• Reconstructive surgery