Tissue Expansion

Tissue expansion is an incredibly versatile technique that can be used to repair skin damaged by birth defects, accidents or surgery, as well as some cosmetic procedures.

Many surgical reconstructive efforts like breast reconstruction require more than the available amount of skin to cover the newly reconstructed breast or limb. In these instances, tissue expansion is used to produce more of the patient's own skin near the treated site, providing an alternative to skin grafting.

When Is Tissue Expansion The Right Choice?

Arlington plastic surgeon Dr James Ward can determine whether tissue expansion should be used in your procedure. While tissue expansion is most commonly used in breast reconstruction, it can also be used to address a lack of tissue during reconstructive surgery for face, head, and neck reconstruction, or in treatment of burn wounds and other injuries.

How Tissue Expansion Works in Surgical Reconstruction

Most tissue expansion procedures are completed in an outpatient surgical facility with either local or general anesthesia. Average operation time is between 1-2 hours.

The surgeon makes a small incision next to the area of skin to be repaired. A silicone balloon expander is then inserted in the pocket created beneath the skin. The expander comprises a tiny tube and self-sealing valve that allows the surgeon to gradually fill the expander with saline solution, and the valve is usually left just beneath skin surface.

Once the incision has healed, follow-up visits are made so that the expander can be injected with additional saline. As the expander enlarges, the skin stretches, causing discomfort in some patients. When the skin has stretched enough to adequately cover the affected area, a second operation is conducted to remove the expander and resume with reconstructive surgery using the new tissue.

Post-Operative Steps: What to Expect

Most patients are able to continue a normal routine while the expander is in place, but be sure to check with your surgeon to determine what course of action is best for you. You may feel minor discomfort that lasts an hour or two when the saline releases into expander. Following the second surgery, most are able to resume normal activity within a week.

If you are considering reconstructive surgery and would like to know more about how tissue expansion may be incorporated into your treatment plan, give us a call at 817.861.0505 or email us using the online contact form. Dr. Ward is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and has 25 years of experience. Our office is located in USMD Hospital in Arlington, a facility that serves residents throughout the Dallas Fort Worth and Mid-Cities area.