Wound Care: Tissue Expansion

Tissue Expansion

Tissue expansion promotes the growth of healthy supplementary skin that can be used for replacing damaged skin. This is a type of reconstructive procedure that can be used on any body area. It allows cosmetic surgeons to repair skin that is damaged congenitally or is acquired.

The procedure is usually used for breast reconstruction following breast removal or for repairing scarred and damaged skin because of trauma or birth defects. Tissue expansion is often performed before reconstructive burn surgery. New skin is used to replace scar tissues at the burn sites.

Envy Aesthetic Center, led by board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Marco Gonzalez, provides tissue expansion procedure for wound care to patients in El Paso, TX, and surrounding communities.

Performing the Procedure

A balloon like expander will be placed underneath the skin at the damaged region during tissue expansion. The expander will be filled with saltwater or saline solution over time. This causes the skin to stretch and grow. The tissue expander will be removed once the new skin has attained an ideal size. This new skin will be redistributed at the target location to replace the damaged skin.

Benefits of Tissue Expansion

Tissue expansion for neck, face, arms, legs, and hands provide excellent results. Expansion may be mor difficult in places where the skin thickness is greater, such as the torso and back. Expansion cannot be performed in areas that are severely scarred or damaged since healthy skin is a primary requirement.

The procedure allows for new skin to grow. Other procedures may need to be performed for using existing skin from other body parts for reconstruction without tissue expansion. Results from tissue expansion are usually better as compared to skin grafts and flaps.

There is less risk of the new skin having side effects, such as skin death since the skin always remains connected to nerve and blood supply, unlike in most skin graft and skin flap procedures. Furthermore, the grown skin is a better cosmetic match with the same texture, color, and hair qualities as the donor area. Scars are less visible since the skin doesn’t need to be moved from one body part to the other.

Ideal Candidate for Tissue Expansion

Anyone that requires additional tissue is a good candidate for tissue expansion. It can be used in several surgical procedures, such as:

• Corrective surgery following birth defects
• Breast reconstruction
• Reconstructive surgery after traumatic injury

Tissue expansion is recommended for people of all skin types and ages. However, it requires healthy skin that should not be severely scarred or damaged for the procedure to be successful.

Results and Recovery

You may experience discomfort and tightness following the tissue expansion procedure. Your cosmetic surgeon may prescribe pain medications for managing the pain. The extent of procedure will determine the recovery time.

The final results of tissue expansion can dramatically improve skin appearance. Successful procedures can significantly benefit quality of life as well. Envy Aesthetic Center, led by cosmetic surgeon Dr. Marco Gonzalez, receives patients from El Paso, TX, and nearby areas for tissue expansion surgery for wound care.

Contact El Paso, TX Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Marco A. Gonzalez

For more information on Plastic Surgery (cirugía plástica) and Non-Surgical Medical Spa procedures and treatments, please contact the offices of Board Certified Plastic Surgeon (cirujano plástico), Dr. Marco A. Gonzalez (Dr. G) by clicking here or calling 915-600-2639.

Serving patients in El Paso Texas, Las Cruces New Mexico, Ciudad Juárez Mexico and surrounding areas.

CONTACTE A EL PASO, TX CIRUJANO PLÁSTICO CERTIFICADO POR LA JUNTA Dr. Marco A. Gonzalez
Para obtener más información sobre cirugía plástica y procedimientos y tratamientos de spa médico no quirúrgico, comuníquese con las oficinas del cirujano plástico certificado por la junta, Dr. Marco A. Gonzalez (Dr. G) haciendo clic aquí o llamando 915-600-2639.

Sirviendo a pacientes en El Paso Texas, Las Cruces Nuevo México, Ciudad Juárez México y áreas circundantes.