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Tissue Expansion near Fort Lauderdale, FL

Dr. David J. Levens, a board-certified plastic surgeon, specializes in tissue expansion techniques for reconstructive surgery. The technique triggers your body to grow new skin that can be used for grafting and other aspects of your reconstructive surgery. Dr. Levens is proud to offer tissue expansion at his Coral Springs practice for the residents of Fort Lauderdale and Broward County.

What is Tissue Expansion?

Tissue expansion is a versatile reconstructive surgery technique that Dr. Levens may use during your procedure. The technique is typically chosen when the patient lacks enough tissue to cover and reconstruct an area of the body. Using tissue expansion, the body can grow extra skin for reconstructive surgery.

Benefits of Tissue Expansion

Dr. Levens often prefers to use tissue expansion techniques for reconstructive surgery due to the following benefits:

  • New skin remains connected to the blood supply and is more viable than donor tissue
  • The new skin cannot be discerned from surrounding skin due to the similar texture, hair growth patterns, and color
  • Scarring is typically less with tissue expansion than skin grafting

Good Candidates for Tissue Expansion

Tissue expansion is used during reconstructive procedures such as:

If Dr. Levens determines that you should undergo a reconstructive procedure, he may recommend tissue expansion as part of the surgery.

What Happens During Tissue Expansion

Tissue expansion will usually be performed with a general anesthetic. Dr. Levens will insert a balloon expander underneath the tissue, in a pocket created for the expander. This silicone expander will then be gradually filled with saline, stretching the overlying skin. The incisions are closed, and the expander is left with a filling valve beneath your skin.

Follow-up procedures will take place during the weeks that follow. The expander is gradually filled until the skin has stretched adequately. After this point, you will be able to move forward in the reconstructive process.

Recovery from Tissue Expansion

The tissue expansion process can cause some discomfort and tightening of the skin, which can last for a few hours. After three or four days, you should be able to resume your normal routine. Recovery time varies depending on the procedure being performed. Dr. Levens will advise you on what to expect during the post-operative period following tissue expansion.

How Much Does Tissue Expansion Cost?

Depending on the nature of your reconstructive surgery, the cost of tissue expansion may be covered by your medical insurance. Our patient coordinator will help you determine coverage. The cost of tissue expansion is included in the overall cost of the reconstructive surgery and is based upon an individual treatment plan that Dr. Levens develops during your consultation. After the appointment, we provide you with a total cost and explain our payment options, including cash, personal check, Visa®, MasterCard® and American Express®. If you are interested in financing your reconstructive surgery with tissue expansion, our patient coordinator will explain how to apply for American Healthcare Lending, Prosper® Healthcare Lending and CareCredit®.

Learn More about Tissue Expansion

Dr. Levens will review every aspect of tissue expansion with you during your complimentary consultation. Patient Coordinator Diana Doria will discuss fees, financing plans, and scheduling, and answer any additional questions. There is absolutely no obligation to schedule a procedure. To arrange your consultation, please contact us today.

Dr. Levens has been providing tissue expansion for patients in Coral Springs, Fort Lauderdale, and throughout Broward County since 1989.