American Society of Plastic Surgeons
For Medical Professionals
 

Tissue Expansion

Growing Extra Skin for Reconstruction

Tissue expansion enables the body to "grow" extra skin for use in reconstructing almost any part of the body.

What is tissue expansion?

Tissue expansion is a relatively straightforward procedure that enables the body to "grow" extra skin for use in reconstructing almost any part of the body.

A silicone balloon expander is inserted under the skin near the area to be repaired and then gradually filled with saline or carbon dioxide over time, causing the skin to stretch and grow. It is most commonly used for breast reconstruction following breast removal, but it's also used to repair skin damaged by birth defects, accidents, surgery and in certain cosmetic procedures.

If your doctor is recommending tissue expansion, this will give you a basic understanding of the procedure – when it can help, how it's performed and what results you can expect. It can't answer all of your questions, however, since much depends on your individual circumstances. Please be sure to ask your surgeon if there is anything you don't understand about the procedure.



Logo

Surgeons In Your Area

Richard Kirschner Headshot

Richard Kirschner, MD

U.S. Board Certified
700 Children's Drive
Columbus, OH 43205
United States

1 (614) 722-3887

Haruko Okada Headshot

Haruko Okada, MD

U.S. Board Certified
400 Stonehenge Parkway, Suite A
Dublin, OH 43017
United States

1614956-5757

Walter Bernacki Headshot

Walter Bernacki, MD

U.S. Board Certified
1085 E. Johnstown Rd.
Gahanna, OH 43230-6849
United States

16146825095

Ergun Kocak Headshot

Ergun Kocak, MD

U.S. Board Certified
Suite A, 1080 Beecher Crossing N
Gahanna, OH 43230
United States

16146864083

Susan Vasko Headshot

Susan Vasko, MD, FACS

U.S. Board Certified
5005 Arlington Centre Blvd.
Columbus, OH 43220
United States

1614246-6900

Cristiane Ueno Headshot

Cristiane Ueno, MD

U.S. Board Certified
Dept of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Suite...
Columbus, OH 43210
United States

1614366-4678

Brian Dorner Headshot

Brian Dorner, MD

U.S. Board Certified
4930 Bradenton Ave.
Dublin, OH 43017
United States

1614336-9000

Albert Chao Headshot

Albert Chao, MD

U.S. Board Certified
Suite 2100, 915 Olentangy River Road
Columbus, OH 43212
United States

16142933748

Logo

Patient Care Center