Tissue
expansion
A recent addition to the reconstructive surgeon’s
options is tissue expansion. Here, a silicone balloon is placed beneath the
planned donor site. The balloon is then inflated by percutaneous injections of
saline over several weeks in order to increase the area of the expanded flap. It
is then possible at a second operation to remove the silicone balloon and
utilise the expanded tissue. Tissue expansion has the advantage of creating
large flaps of tissue at sites where this might otherwise be impossible. Where
expansion is done adjacent to a defect, the flap will often have ideal
properties to reconstruct that defect. It can often be transferred by simple
techniques, and sensation can be preserved. Often the donor site can be closed
directly if sufficient tissue has been created.