who is a candidate?

• If you need additional local skin to close a defect that is currently present, or will be present after subsequent surgery.
  
  
• If skin is too tight and needs to be expanded to facilitate reconstruction -- i.e. breast skin following mastectomy.
  

intended results:

•  Expansion and growth of new skin so that local reconstruction can be performed.

procedure description:

• An expander of the proper size and shape is placed under the skin adjacent to the present or future defect.
  
  
• The procedure may be performed on an outpatient or inpatient basis under sedation and local or general anesthesia.
• Following placement, the expander is gradually filled with saline injected through the skin into a "fill port."
• When enough expanded or new skin is present, the expander will be removed and the excess skin used for reconstruction.
  

recuperation and healing :

• Placement of the expander is usually not very painful. Postoperative discomfort is usually easily controlled with oral medication.
  
  
• Gradual expansion of the implant will cause a visible bulge in the treated area that may require a temporary change in clothing styles.
  

other options :

• Following reconstruction, subsequent procedures maybe necessary to improve the scars or the appearance of the reconstructed area.
  

insurance guidelines :

• If the reconstruction is being performed for medical reasons, the procedure is usually covered by insurance.
  

note:

• The specific risks and the suitability of this procedure for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are unusual.