Tissue expansion in reconstruction.

Tissue expansion offers a new alternative in plastic surgery. Its applications are numerous for reconstruction of the scalp, head and neck, trunk, breast, and extremity. Over the past year I have used tissue expansion for reconstruction in 13 patients, with multiple expanders in six patients. Complications included two exposed expanders requiring early removal, and two mechanical malfunctions requiring replacement. Expansion of previously irradiated tissue has been unsatisfactory.