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

Anne Taylor Headshot

Anne Taylor, MD

U.S. Board Certified
7227 North High Street #256
Worthington, OH 43085
United States

16145692649

Craig Lehrman Headshot

Craig Lehrman, MD

U.S. Board Certified
Suite 2140, 915 Olentangy River Rd
Columbus, OH 43212
United States

16142938655

Susan Vasko Headshot

Susan Vasko, MD, FACS

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

1614246-6900

John Wakelin Headshot

John Wakelin, MD, FACS

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

6142466900

William Abouhassan Headshot

William Abouhassan, Jr., MD

U.S. Board Certified
Ohiohealth / Ohio State University, 285 East State...
Columbus, OH 43215
United States

1614566-9496

Jeffrey Donaldson Headshot

Jeffrey Donaldson, MD

U.S. Board Certified
Suite 260, 92 N. High St.
Dublin, OH 43017
United States

16144427610

Christopher Zochowski Headshot

Christopher Zochowski, MD

U.S. Board Certified
210, 725 Buckles Court
Gahana, OH 43230
United States

16144907500

Clara Lee Headshot

Clara Lee, MD

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

16142933748

Logo

Patient Care Center