Tissue expansion is a procedure used to “grow” the skin. It is most commonly used for breast reconstruction following breast removal, but it is also used to repair skin damaged by birth defects, burns, accidents or surgeries, and in certain cosmetic procedures.

During a tissue expansion, a balloon expander is inserted under the skin needing repair. The expander is inflated with a saline solution over a certain amount of time, depending on the desired size. The expander stretches the skin and encourages growth.

Before tissue expanders were available, cosmetic surgeons were limited to skin flaps and grafts to reconstruct areas of the skin. Skin flaps and skin grafts require a donor site, from which skin is excised and placed in the needed area. The tissue expander technique allows the skin to stay connected to the site, along with the blood and nerve supply. Plus it offers a near perfect match of color, texture and hair-bearing qualities.

One drawback in using the tissue expander is a longer recovery due to the time it takes for the skin to grow. Another drawback is an unsightly bulge, which is noticeable in areas such as the scalp. When used along with breast reconstruction, the bulge is actually the desired result.

Your plastic surgeon will take the time to evaluate you based on your age, skin condition, medical history and other factors to determine if you are a good candidate for a tissue expander. If you are having breast reconstruction, your surgeon may begin tissue expansion after the removal of the breast. Your surgeon may wait until the wound has healed if you need tissue expansion in other areas. Once the area is healed, you will return periodically to our office to have the expander injected with a saline solution, which will begin the expansion process. After the expansion has been completed, you will have a second surgery to remove the expander and replace it with a more permanent implant or reposition the new skin.

Contact our reconstructive surgeons to schedule your consultation. The Centre, P.C. offers the latest reconstructive surgery procedures, including tissue expansion, to patients in Elkhart and South Bend, Indiana, the Michiana area, and Chicago.

 

Elkhart Office

RiverPointe Medical Building
500 Arcade Ave., Suite 300
Elkhart, IN 46514
FAX: 574-293-1511

Chesterton Office

Duneland Health & Wellness Institute
810 Michael Drive, Suite K
Chesterton, IN 46304
Fax: 219.926.3534

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