Tissue Expansion Surgery

Tissue Expansion Surgery

  • Overview
  • Who We Treat
  • Appointments
  • Procedure
  • Locations
  • Doctors

    • What is tissue expansion surgery?

    Tissue expansion is a procedure performed to promote the growth of healthy supplementary skin used for the replacement of damaged skin. This reconstructive procedure is an option for almost any area of the body, allowing plastic surgeons to repair skin damaged by both congenital and acquired defects.

    Tissue expansion is often used for breast reconstruction and for repairing damaged or scarred skin from birth defects or trauma. Often, tissue expansion is done before reconstructive burn surgery, using the new skin to replace scar tissue at the burn injury site.

    When is tissue expansion recommended?

    Normally, tissue expansion in the face, neck, arms, hands and legs lead to excellent results. But when the skin is thicker, like it is on the back or torso, expansion is more difficult. Healthy skin is also a requirement for this procedure, so severely damaged and scarred skin isn’t usually recommended. 

    You and your surgeon will talk about which option may be best for you to achieve the best, healthiest outcomes. 

    Appointment Information

    To schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon, call 734-998-6022.

    How does tissue expansion work?

    Tissue expansion is done by placing a balloon-like expander underneath the skin near the damaged region. Over time, the expander is filled with saline (or saltwater) solution to help the skin around it to stretch and grow. Once the new skin has reached its ideal size, the tissue expander is removed and the new skin is redistributed, replacing the damaged area of skin.

    What are the benefits of tissue expansion?

    Tissue expansion allows for the growth of new skin to use for reconstruction instead of relying on other procedures that use existing skin in other parts of the body. Since the skin remains connected to the same blood and nerve supply, unlike in most skin flap or skin graft procedures, there is less risk for the new skin to have side effects, including skin death. The grown skin is a better match cosmetically, having the same color, texture and hair qualities as the issue area. Scars are also often less visible because skin doesn't have to be moved from one area to another.

    Locations
    • Plastic Surgery Clinic | Domino's Farms 24 Frank Lloyd Wright Dr Ste A1200
      Lobby A
      Ann Arbor, MI 48105-9484       Get Directions

    Doctors

     Search for a U-M Health doctor     Paul Stephen Cederna, MD

    Paul Stephen Cederna, MD

    Professor

    Plastic Surgery

    Jessica Jen-Tau Hsu, MD

    Jessica Jen-Tau Hsu, MD

    Clinical Associate Professor

    Plastic Surgery

    Jeffrey Hall Kozlow, MD

    Jeffrey Hall Kozlow, MD

    Clinical Professor

    Plastic Surgery, Surgery

    Theodore Alexander Kung, MD

    Clinical Associate Professor

    Plastic Surgery

    Lauren Elizabeth Marquette, MD

    Lauren Elizabeth Marquette, MD

    Clinical Assistant Professor

    Plastic Surgery, Surgery

    Adeyiza Olutoyin Momoh, MD

    Adeyiza Olutoyin Momoh, MD

    Professor

    Plastic Surgery, Surgery

    Paige Myers, MD, MPH

    Clinical Associate Professor

    Plastic Surgery

    Noah Saad, MD

    Noah Saad, MD

    Clinical Assistant Professor

    Plastic Surgery, Surgery

    News & Stories
    football player in middle of parents on field smiling
    Health Lab

    Using genetic testing, doctors help patient find answers for her diabetes

    For 30 years Autumn Caris thought she had type 1 diabetes. After learning about MODY, a rare and often misdiagnosed type of diabetes, she finally got answers at U-M.
         An older adult's hands holding a smartphone
    Health Lab

    Are 988 and other mental health crisis lines missing people over 50?

    Many people over 50 aren't aware of the 988 mental health crisis line, though some are aware of other crisis lines, suggesting an opportunity to increase awareness and use.
         Michigan Medicine Presents in spotlights on blue background
    Michigan Medicine Presents

    Michigan Medicine Presents: Tommy Wang, M.D., Dean, University of Michigan Medical School

    Join MD student Cassie Evans and PhD student Sam Collie for a wide-ranging conversation with Dean Tommy Wang, M.D. As he reflects on his journey to medicine and academic leadership, Dr. Wang shares his perspectives on student well-being, artificial intelligence, education, research and patient care through the lens of his new role as dean of the University of Michigan Medical School.
         climb sign and family smiling infront
    Health Lab

    Lung transplant recipient stays active climbing stadium steps and more post-transplant

    Doug Wright stayed active until his lung transplant. Now, he is continuing to participate in rigorous physical activity with his donor lungs.
         Health Lab Podcast in brackets with a background with a dark blue translucent layers over cells
    Health Lab Podcast

    Medicare's New GLP-1 Bridge Program

    An obesity expert welcomes new Medicare option for access to effective weight loss medication, and shares the new program’s limitations.
         Aerial view of University of Michigan Health hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
    News Release

    University of Michigan Professional Nurse Council reaches tentative agreement with University of Michigan Health

    Nurses represented by the University of Michigan Professional Nurse Council (MNA-UMPNC) have reached a tentative, three-year agreement with the University of Michigan Health.