Reconstructive Surgery

Using Soft Tissue Expansion

For years, Mentor tissue expanders have provided children, teens and adults freedom from the socially damaging effects of major skin defects, severe scarring and disfiguring birthmarks.

Tissue expansion works by stimulating the growth of new skin adjacent to a skin defect. It takes advantage of the skin's natural ability to stretch in the same manner as when a woman's abdomen is expanding during pregnancy. This is accomplished by implanting a tissue expander, which is a balloon-like device, beneath healthy skin. The expander is gradually inflated with injections of saline fluid over a period of several weeks.

When expanded sufficiently, the new skin makes ideal replacement tissue for the adjacent skin defect. This spares patients the pain and discomfort of having a second surgical procedure to remove skin from another area of their body, which is done in traditional skin grafting.

New skin developed through tissue expansion normally is compatible with the body because it's already attached and has its blood vessels in place. Because this natural skin graft is grown next to the skin defect, it's also usually a good replacement when considering skin texture and color.

The original Radovan® Tissue Expander, introduced in the late 1970's was the first device of its kind to stretch healthy tissue for use in removing unwanted skin defects. Since acquiring this product, Mentor has introduced a wide range of expander designs that have helped return a sense of confidence and well-being to many people.

Today, tissue expanders are an essential tool for plastic surgeons. In addition to removing scars and birthmarks, tissue expanders can be used for reconstructing breasts following mastectomies and reconstructing facial features such as lips and eyelids.

How Tissue Expansion Works

 

Tissue Expansion vs.
Traditional Skin Grafting

The tissue expander is placed under the skin next to skin defect. Gradual, sterile, saline injections into the tissue expander will expand the skin to cover the defect.