Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
tissue expansion
Process of gradually stretching skin and soft tissues to create additional coverage for reconstruction.
Full Definition
A reconstructive technique that involves placing a balloon-like device under the skin and gradually inflating it over weeks or months to stretch the overlying tissues. This creates additional skin and soft tissue that can then be used to cover areas requiring reconstruction. The process mimics natural tissue growth and is commonly used in breast reconstruction, scalp reconstruction, and congenital defect repair. Tissue expansion allows for reconstruction using the patient's own skin with similar color, texture, and sensation.
In Context
- "Tissue expansion was initiated six weeks after mastectomy to prepare for permanent implant placement." — Reconstruction timeline documentation
- "Scalp tissue expansion enabled reconstruction of the large congenital nevus defect using local skin." — Pediatric reconstruction case
Also known as
controlled tissue stretching
Contrasted with
tissue contraction
Don't confuse with
tissue expander
implant expansion