Tissue Expansion

Tissue expansion is a relatively straightforward procedure that enables the body to grow extra skin, which a doctor can use in reconstructing almost any other part of the body. A doctor places a silicone balloon expander under the skin near the repair area to be and then gradually fills it with salt water. Over time, the balloon expander expands causing the skin to stretch and grow. Doctors use balloon expanders in patients who have need breast reconstruction surgery following mastectomies, but tissue expanders are helpful in repairing skin damaged by birth defects, accidents, or other reconstructive surgery. In most cases, the initial operation takes one to two hours, depending on the size and area of skin. The surgeon begins by making a small incision adjacent to the damaged area of skin. The physician then inserts the silicone balloon expander in a pocket created beneath the skin. The expander includes a tiny tube and a self-sealing valve that allows the surgeon to gradually fill the expander with saline solution. Periodic injections of additional saline expand the tissue. As the expander enlarges, the skin will stretch. When the skin has stretched enough to cover the affected area, a surgeon performs a second operation to remove the expander and reposition the new tissue. In breast reconstruction, the surgery required to remove the expander and insert the permanent implant is relatively brief. Surgery that is more complex takes longer and may require more than one expansion sequence to complete.

Q: Is plastic surgery safe for me? A: Before any elective plastic surgery, doctors require a complete physical examination as well as a series of blood tests. After such tests, complications of plastic surgery are exceedingly rare. More Plastic Surgery Questions



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