Tissue expansion is an uncomplicated procedure that grows healthy skin to replace damaged skin. Intermountain Southern Utah Plastic Surgery performs this reconstructive procedure for a variety of different cosmetic procedures.
What is tissue expansion?
The tissue expansion procedure “grows” extra skin to use in further reconstructive procedures. Tissue expansion is most commonly done for breast reconstruction, but it can be used to repair damaged skin from all types of cosmetic procedures.
How is it done?
A balloon is inserted underneath the skin near the area that needs to be repaired. This silicone balloon is then gradually filled with saline or carbon dioxide over time, causing the skin to stretch and grow. When the skin reaches the optimal size, it replaces the damaged skin.
What can tissue expansion not do?
Tissue expansion surgery is designed for individual procedures. But tissue expansion does have its limits. It can only be performed on healthy skin, and hair will not grow on body tissue (only on scalp tissue).