Tissue Expansion
Life Time Aesthetic Surgery
Since every person’s body structure is different, tissue augmentation is planned individually. In this way, both an aesthetic appearance and functionality are achieved.
In tissue expansion, extra skin is created on the body and surgical repairs are performed. A special balloon is placed under the skin. This balloon is filled slowly over a period of time. The soft tissue under the skin expands over time. This encourages the formation of additional skin. Skin loss can be caused by congenital deficiencies or serious injuries. In the treatment of such conditions, tissue expansion is often used. The body’s own tissue is used here. Therefore, naturalness in appearance and function is achieved.
In Which Cases Is Tissue Expansion Preferred?
- Repair of burn scars: Various scars occur after burns. Hardening occurs in the skin areas. Tissue expansion can be used in the repair of such conditions. After the procedure, healthy skin is expanded.
- Congenital Skin Deficiencies: Some people may have congenital skin deficiency. In such cases, it is necessary to provide enough skin to the affected area. Tissue expansion is an ideal option for such problems.
- Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy: Tissue augmentation may be preferred to achieve a natural appearance after breast cancer treatment.
- Scar Repair: Scars may occur after various traumas or surgical interventions. Tissue expansion is very effective in repairing large scars. It provides adequate and healthy skin to the area affected by the scar.
- Scalp Defects: After surgical interventions or accidents, large skin losses can occur on the scalp. With tissue expansion, the hairy scalp area can be expanded.
- Ear Reconstruction: Tissue expansion can be used to enlarge the skin behind the ear to treat congenital ear abnormalities.
- Treatment of Congenital Nevus: Congenital nevus refers to large birthmarks. When these spots are surgically removed, a skin defect is formed. Tissue expansion method may be preferred to close this.
Tissue expansion can be used in a significant number of cases where there is a need to create extra skin on the body. The patient’s condition, needs and health analysis are evaluated when performing this procedure. For this reason, it is best to contact us to get detailed information about tissue expansion and to have an evaluation.
How is extra skin created?
- Expander placement: First, a special balloon is placed in the area where extra skin will be created. This balloon is called an expander. The balloon is generally positioned under the skin.
- Expander Filling: After placing the expander, liquid is slowly injected into the balloon. This liquid is usually salt water. Injecting the liquid is done for several weeks.
- Stretching of the Skin: As the special balloon fills, the skin stretches. This stretching supports the production of new collagen by cells under the skin called fibroblasts.
- New Skin Formation: As the skin gradually stretches, skin cells divide and produce new cells. Thus, new skin tissue is formed under and above the skin.
- Expansion Lifting and Surgical Repair: When the desired level of extra skin is formed, the special balloon is lifted. The extra skin is then used for repair in the required area.
The tissue expansion technique mimics how the body regenerates skin naturally. Therefore, the added skin gives a natural appearance. In addition, since the body’s own tissue is used, conditions such as allergies are rare. However, the success of this procedure may vary depending on the technique applied, your doctor’s experience and the patient’s health status.
Are There Scars After Tissue Expansion?
Tissue expansion is a surgical procedure. Therefore, various scars may occur in the areas where the expander is placed and removed. Some factors determine the size of the scars. These factors can be listed as surgical technique, patient’s skin type, healing process and the area on the body.
The scars begin to fade after a certain period of time. They become less prominent. However, you should not expect the scars to disappear completely. If you are concerned about this, you can have a detailed discussion with our center about the management of scars before and after the procedure. In some cases, additional treatments may be needed to minimize the appearance of scars.
Is Tissue Expansion Safe?
First of all, surgical experience plays a key role in the success of the procedure. In this procedure, which requires years of experience and special expertise, the surgeon’s technical knowledge is as important as his/her patient-specific planning skills. Experienced surgeons who develop strategies specific to each case can achieve optimal results by minimizing possible risks.
Patient profile and health history is another important factor affecting the course of the procedure. Especially in patients with metabolic diseases, coagulation disorders or immune system disorders, special precautions and close follow-up may be required. Therefore, a detailed pre-operative evaluation and individualized risk analysis are essential.
Regular post-operative check-ups and professional care significantly reduce the risk of complications. Especially in the first weeks, which are critical in terms of wound healing and tissue adaptation, patient-physician cooperation is of great importance. Rare complications may include infection, expander displacement, seroma formation or device complications.
It is important to emphasize that the anatomical structure and healing capacity of each patient is different. Therefore, comprehensive pre-operative evaluation, detailed information and realistic expectation management are essential. The treatment plan should be personalized, taking into account the patient’s lifestyle and needs.
Tissue expansion is a procedure that can be safely performed with professional practice and meticulous follow-up. Successful results require a careful and systematic approach from pre-operative evaluation to post-operative care. Individualized treatment strategies should be developed, taking into account the unique situation of each patient.
Tissue Expander Selection and Planning Process
In the pre-operative evaluation, the elasticity and blood circulation of the tissue to be expanded are examined in detail. Tissue quality and healing potential should be carefully evaluated, especially in areas that have undergone previous surgical procedures or radiotherapy. These factors directly affect the speed and success of the expansion process.
The expansion protocol is designed individually for each patient. While rapid expansion is possible in some patients, others may require a slower and more controlled approach. A more precise planning is essential for aesthetic results, especially for augmentation in the face and neck area.
Patients’ lifestyle and daily activities are also taken into consideration during the planning process. For example, different strategies can be developed for patients who play active sports or work in physical jobs. Furthermore, the impact of the augmentation on the patient’s social and professional life should also be evaluated.
Frequently asked questions
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What should be considered after tissue expansion?
It is important to keep the surgical site clean and use the antibiotics recommended by your doctor. In addition, wound care as recommended by your doctor accelerates the healing process. With your doctor’s approval, you can do light exercises, but you should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities.
Will there be a scar after tissue expansion?
Small scars may remain in the areas where the expander was placed and removed. However, these scars fade over time and can usually be hidden by clothing. Thanks to modern surgical techniques, it is possible to minimize scars.
Can tissue expansion be performed on all body parts?
Tissue expansion can be performed on almost any part of the body. However, the most commonly used areas are the head, neck, chest, abdomen and legs. The area of the body depends on factors such as the amount of missing tissue and the general condition of the patient.
Is tissue augmentation covered by insurance?
Whether tissue augmentation is covered by insurance depends on the policy conditions of your insurance company and the regulations of your country’s healthcare system. Generally, insurance companies cover this procedure when it is medically necessary.
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