tissue expander

Full Definition

A silicone balloon device implanted beneath the skin to gradually stretch and expand normal tissue for reconstruction of large defects. The expander is slowly inflated with saline over weeks to months, causing the overlying skin to grow and stretch. Once adequate tissue expansion is achieved, the expander is removed and the stretched tissue is used to close the defect. This technique is particularly useful for reconstructing large areas after extensive tumor removal, especially on the scalp and trunk.

In Context

• "A tissue expander was placed to facilitate reconstruction of the large scalp defect." — operative report
• "The tissue expander achieved adequate skin expansion for defect closure after three months." — follow-up note