The use of an integral tissue expander for primary breast reconstruction.
The authors emphasize the recent advances in breast reconstruction provided by use of the skin expander device. A Silastic percutaneous skin expander developed by the authors and the Dow Corning Corporation has been used by them in breast reconstruction for the past 7 years with satisfactory results. Important design differences in the device suggested by the authors include the use of a reinforced backing which consists of Dacron Silastic sheeting extending beyond the inflatable tear-drop-shaped envelope for approximately 3/8 of an inch, thus adding strength and rigidity to the envelope and the rim, and making it possible for the rim of the expander implant to be sutured in an appropriate orientation.
D000328:Adult; D001940:Breast / Q000601:surgery*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D003286:Contracture / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008408:Mastectomy; D008875:Middle Aged; D009336:Necrosis; D019736:Prostheses and Implants / Q000009:adverse effects; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology; D013518:Surgery, Plastic