What should you know about external tissue expander?

A tissue expander is placed beneath or near the skin and gradually filled according to the reconstruction plan. The stretching process gives the body time to accommodate additional volume before a later procedure, such as exchange for a permanent implant or another reconstructive approach. Expansion can cause tightness, pressure or soreness, particularly after a filling visit. The skin is checked for colour, healing and tension. The timing and amount of expansion vary with the operation, tissue condition, other treatments and how your body responds.

Keep the incision and surrounding skin clean and follow wound-care instructions. Avoid pressure, strenuous movement or lifting restrictions until your surgeon clears them. Attend expansion and review appointments so the device and skin can be assessed. Tell the team about increasing discomfort, changes in skin colour, drainage or a feeling that the device has shifted. Ask how clothing, sleeping positions, exercise and future reconstruction should be managed.

Seek prompt advice for fever, spreading redness, warmth, pus-like drainage, wound opening, sudden swelling, severe pain, new skin darkening or a device that becomes visible. Urgent assessment is needed if you feel very unwell or have rapidly worsening swelling or pain.

Where is the expander placed? How often will it be filled? Which activities should I avoid? What signs suggest infection or excessive pressure? When will the next reconstruction stage be considered?