Weefselvervanger

Weefselvervanger, also known as tissue expander, is a medical device used in reconstructive surgery. It is a balloon-like implant that is gradually filled with saline solution over time. This process stretches the surrounding skin and tissue, creating extra tissue that can be used to reconstruct defects caused by trauma, surgery, or congenital conditions.

The implantation of a tissue expander is typically performed under local or general anesthesia. The expander is inserted beneath the skin, and a port for filling is placed in a separate location, often in the abdomen or chest wall, where it is less visible. After a healing period, the port is accessed periodically, and saline is injected to gradually inflate the expander. This gradual stretching stimulates the body's natural ability to grow new skin and underlying tissue.

Once sufficient tissue expansion has been achieved, a second surgical procedure is performed. During this procedure, the tissue expander is removed, and the expanded tissue is used to cover the defect. This technique is commonly employed in breast reconstruction following mastectomy, but can also be used for reconstruction of other body parts, such as the face, scalp, and limbs. The use of tissue expanders allows for reconstruction using the patient's own tissue, which can lead to more natural-looking and aesthetically pleasing results compared to other methods.