Applications of Tissue Expansion Surgery
Reconstruction after Trauma: Tissue expansion is widely utilized to restore skin muscle or tissue that has been destroyed due to accidents burns or tumor removal surgery.
Birth Defect Correction: It is an excellent treatment for congenital diseases such as cleft lips webbed fingers and other deformities.
Breast Reconstruction: Tissue expansion is frequently used in breast reconstruction surgery following mastectomy to provide a more natural-looking breast shape and size.
Scar Revision: Scars particularly hypertrophic or keloid scars can benefit from this procedure.
Cosmetic Enhancements: Some people choose tissue expansion to increase breast size improve facial characteristics or renew their skin.
The Tissue Expansion Procedure
Consultation: A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon is the first step in the process. You will discuss your goals, medical history, and expectations during this meeting. Your surgeon will assess your situation and prescribe the best course of action.
Placement of Expander: Under local or general anesthesia, the surgeon inserts a tissue expander, a silicone balloon-like device, beneath the skin in the area to be treated.
Gradual Expansion: The expander is gradually filled with sterile saline through a valve over a period of weeks to months. This procedure stretches the skin and generates additional tissue.
Reconstruction or Enhancement: Once sufficient additional tissue has been produced the surgeon might utilize it to restore damaged parts or to enhance certain features such as breasts or facial shapes.
