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

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