Tissue Expansion in Oklahoma City

Plastic surgeons use tissue expansion during reconstructive surgery. It's a technique that is appropriate when a patient lacks sufficient tissue to cover a defect or wound.

Dr. James (Jim) Lowe can perform tissue expansion during several different procedures at our Oklahoma City plastic surgery practice.

When to Undergo Tissue Expansion in Oklahoma City

The goal of tissue expansion is to create excess tissue to cover or reconstruct a body part.

Surgeons frequently use tissue expansion during:

  • Breast reconstruction
  • Repair of birth defects
  • Repair of injuries or trauma

If you undergo a reconstructive procedure and require extra skin, our plastic surgeons may recommend tissue expansion. Like many procedures, good candidates are healthy non-smokers. Candidates should also understand that tissue expansion usually requires several staged procedures.

FAQ

How does it work?

For your initial tissue expansion procedure, you will be placed under a general anesthetic for 1-2 hours. In this procedure, the doctor will place the balloon expander beneath the tissue that is to be stretched.

After the appropriate location for the expander has been selected, the doctor will make incisions and create a pocket for the expander below the skin. This expander, made of silicone, will then be gradually filled with saline, which will stretch the overlying skin. The doctor will then close the incisions, leaving the expander and the fill valve beneath your skin.

What can I expect after tissue expansion procedures?

Over a period of a few weeks, you will return to the office where the doctor will perform follow-up procedures, further filling the expander with saline until the skin is adequately stretched. Once this has happened, you will be able to move forward in the reconstructive process.

How does tissue expansion feel?

After the expander is placed under your skin and it has been filled with saline, you are likely to experience discomfort and a tightening of the skin for a couple of hours. You should, however, be able to resume your routine 2-4 days after insertion of the expander. Depending on the reconstructive surgery to be performed, after the expander has adequately stretched the skin, your recovery time can vary greatly. The doctor will then be able to advise you about recovery steps.

Who performs tissue expansion procedures?

Dr. Lowe can perform your surgery. He is an Oklahoma native and a board certified plastic surgeon. All physicians at our Oklahoma City practice share a commitment to clinical excellence, cutting-edge care, and a lasting partnership with patients.

Where is tissue expansion performed?

Surgery can be performed at Integris Baptist Medical Center, at a nearby outpatient surgical facility, or at the Associates Surgery Center, located near the doctors’ office. After surgery, you can recover at the surgery center, in the surgical ward at Integris Baptist Medical Center, or at any number of other overnight medical facilities.

Schedule a Consultation to Learn More

To learn more about reconstructive surgery like tissue expansion in Oklahoma City, please contact Dr. James Lowe by calling (405) 942-4300 or (877) 362-5693. Lowe Plastic Surgery's clinical practice is located less than a mile east of Baptist Hospital at 2520 NW Expressway in Oklahoma City. You can also send us an email using our online contact form.

Dr. Lowe can perform your surgery. He is an Oklahoma native and a board certified plastic surgeon.
James B. Lowe, MD, FACS

Lowe Plastic Surgery

Dr. Lowe is a triple board-certified surgeon with over 20 years of experience providing comprehensive cosmetic and reconstructive care. He is affiliated with several prestigious organizations:

  • American Society of Plastic Surgeons 
  • American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
  • American Board of Plastic Surgery
  • Fellow, American Association of Plastic Surgeons
  • Fellow, American College of Surgeons 
  • American Society for Surgery of the Hand 

Schedule your consultation by contacting us online or calling us at (405) 942-4300.

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