Tissue Expansion
Tissue expansion is a surgical procedure used to increase the amount of skin available for reconstructive surgery. It works by gradually stretching intact skin over a balloon-like device (called a tissue expander) that is placed under the skin. The expander is gradually filled with fluid over a period of weeks or months, which causes the skin to expand and stretch. Tissue expansion can be used to cover large surface area defects such as burn wounds or scars, as well as reconstruct complex defects such as those caused by tumour removal. Additionally, tissue expansion can be used to reconstruct smaller areas such as areas around the face and eyes. Through tissue expansion, surgeons are able to use a patient’s own skin (autologous) to reconstruct areas, which results in less risk of rejection or infection. Tissue expansion is an effective, safe, and widely used procedure that can be used to restore a patient’s quality of life by restoring their appearance and functionality of the affected area.
← Journal of Tissue Repair and Regeneration