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Tissue expansion is a specialized method used in plastic surgery to create additional skin, which can then be utilized in various reconstructive procedures across almost all body areas. In this process, an expander is placed under the skin, very close to the affected region.
The expander is a balloon made of an outer silicone shell that can be gradually filled with saline solution, thereby stretching the skin. This ensures the creation of supplementary skin, which is subsequently used in the targeted area.
Tissue expansion is very frequently used in breast reconstruction following a mastectomy. With the same principle, it is employed for the restoration of skin lesions such as congenital birthmarks, extensive wounds, or postoperative complications from other surgical procedures. In some cases, it may also be used in aesthetic plastic surgery.
When the plastic surgeon decides to use the tissue expansion procedure, they will explain all its stages, how it will help you, the required surgery, and the potential outcomes in detail and comprehensibly. There are, of course, a few cases where the final result is somewhat unpredictable and is planned progressively based on how the human body reacts to the expansion. However, the surgeon will explain each step and answer all questions that may arise during the process.