Treatment, Surgery & Anesthesia
Tissue expander
A tissue expander is a device placed under the skin to gently stretch it, creating extra skin for reconstruction.
In short: Tissue expander
- It creates additional skin to cover a repair.
- It is used in some complex reconstructions.
- It works by gradual, gentle stretching over time.
- It is one tool among several in reconstruction.
What it is
It is a balloon-like device placed under the skin and gradually filled over time to gently stretch the skin, creating extra skin for use in reconstruction. It is used in some complex repairs.
Understanding Tissue expander
When a reconstruction needs more skin than is available — for example, to cover a large repair — a tissue expander can gradually create additional skin through gentle stretching over weeks. The expanded skin is then used to complete the reconstruction. It is one of several tools available for complex craniofacial or scalp reconstructions, used when the situation calls for it.
Why it matters
Understanding the tissue expander helps families see how surgeons can create extra skin for a complex reconstruction, and that this gradual process is one of several reconstructive options.
Common questions
What does a tissue expander do?
Gently stretches skin to create extra for reconstruction.
How does it work?
By gradual filling and stretching over weeks.
When is it used?
In some complex reconstructions needing extra skin.
Bottom line
A tissue expander gradually stretches skin to create extra for complex reconstructions.
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