Discover a Natural Way to Restore Skin with Tissue Expansion
Tissue expansion is one of the most advanced and natural methods to regenerate skin—often used in breast reconstruction and other areas requiring skin repair. It works with your body’s natural ability to grow skin, making it an ideal solution for individuals recovering from injuries, surgeries, or other skin loss situations.
Whether you’ve experienced trauma, undergone a mastectomy, or require reconstruction for another reason, Tissue Expansion Tampa offers a unique path to recovery with long-lasting, realistic results.
What Is Tissue Expansion and How Does It Work?
Tissue expansion involves inserting a balloon-like device (called an expander) underneath the skin near the area where new tissue is needed. Over time, saline is added through a small port just under the skin, gently encouraging your body to grow new skin over the expanding area.
When enough tissue has formed, the expander is removed in a second surgery, and the newly created skin is repositioned to cover the affected area. This skin not only matches the color and texture of nearby skin, but it may also include natural hair growth, especially when used on the scalp.
Benefits of Tissue Expansion
Patients choose tissue expansion because of its natural appearance, minimal scarring, and durable outcomes. Here are some of the top reasons people prefer this method:
Skin retains its original blood supply, reducing the risk of tissue death
Matches nearby skin in color and texture
Results in less noticeable scarring
Useful for covering large wounds, scalp repair, and reconstructive procedures
Ideal for people with stable overall health
Hair follicles often regrow, which is especially helpful for scalp and facial areas
Is Tissue Expansion Right for You?
You might be a good candidate for tissue expansion if you're in generally good health and need new skin for medical or cosmetic reasons. People recovering from burn injuries, surgeries, or congenital defects may benefit from this procedure.
During your consultation with Dr. Mosiello, you’ll get a personalized plan. Smoking cessation may be recommended before your procedure to improve healing and final outcomes.
What to Expect During the Procedure
The process is performed in stages:
Initial surgery: A small incision is made near the treatment site. The expander is inserted and partially filled with saline. The site is then closed using fine sutures to reduce scarring.
Ongoing expansion: Over several weeks or months, additional saline is added during brief office visits to gradually stretch the skin.
Final surgery: Once enough skin has formed, the expander is removed and the new skin is stretched and attached over the area.
Most patients return to daily activities within a few days after each surgery. Full recovery may take up to 10 weeks depending on the size and location of the treatment area.
Are There Any Risks?
Like any surgical procedure, tissue expansion comes with potential risks. These may include:
Loss of newly expanded tissue
Leakage from the expander
Infection or bleeding
Scarring or irregular skin appearance
Decreased sensation in the treated area
A detailed discussion of these risks will take place during your initial consultation to ensure you are fully informed.
Long-Term Results and Healing
Scars from tissue expansion typically fade over 12 months, especially when incisions are placed in natural body lines. Fine sutures help ensure a cleaner finish and better cosmetic outcome. Most patients feel only mild discomfort after the procedure, which can be managed with prescription pain medication.
If you're considering skin reconstruction and want a natural-looking result, tissue expansion may be an excellent option. It’s especially beneficial for people seeking reconstruction that doesn’t rely on skin grafts from other body parts.
