INTRODUCTION TO TRAVERSE TISSUE EXPANSION
Tissue expansion is a reconstructive surgery procedure that is designed to allow the tissues surrounding an area of tissue loss to grow extra skin. Although most commonly used in breast reconstruction, tissue expansion can be used anywhere on the body. In general, a device called an “expander” is inserted underneath the skin. Over time, this expander is filled with salt water (saline) which causes the skin to stretch and grow. Once the skin has expanded sufficiently, it is then placed over the area to be treated and sutured in place with tiny, absorbable sutures.

GOOD CANDIDATES FOR TISSUE EXPANSION
Anyone of any age or gender who is otherwise healthy can be an appropriate candidate for tissue expansion. In any surgery, it’s recommended that you quit smoking if you are a smoker, but this is especially so prior to a tissue expansion surgery. Smoking decreases the amount of oxygen available in the blood, making it more difficult for healing to take place.

In cases of extensive scar tissue, a scar revision may need to be performed prior to any tissue expansion procedure.

It can take up to 6 months for tissue expansion to be completed.  On the other hand, however, tissue expansion (compared with donor tissue) will give you an exact match of skin texture, sensation and skin shade since it’s made from your own tissue. Scars are also generally less noticeable with a tissue expansion procedure compared with skin grafts or flaps. Further, since the expansion makes it possible for the skin to grow while connected to its own blood supply, problems with tissue quality are rare compared with skin grafting.

If you would like to discuss the options of tissue expansion with Dr. F. Matthew Smith, please call our Traverse City plastic surgery office to schedule a consultation. Dr. Smith is very experienced in this area of practice and will offer you his best advice.