Tissue Expanders: A Comprehensive Review

Tissue expansion is an effective approach for increasing the surface area of contiguous skin flaps by implanting single or several inflatable silicone balloons. Throughout history medicine has studied how tissue can stretch and expand over time due to physiological and pathological conditions. Laxity in the abdominal wall skin and soft tissues can occur during pregnancy puberty and post-birth. Even skeletal tissues can expand under specific conditions. Tissue growth in benign and malignant tumors is evident in various ethnic groups. Silastic tissue expanders use the skin''s ability to stretch and expand under stress allowing for larger more vascularized skin. This technique is useful for secondary reconstruction of burnt tissue offering color and texture match without significant donor site morbidity.