Quantitative analysis of the thickness of human skin and subcutaneous tissue following controlled expansion with a silicone implant.

Histologic quantitation of the thickness of human tissues that were expanded using silicone expanders showed that the epidermis underwent significant thickening after 5 weeks to 5 months of expansion. The dermis and subcutaneous tissue, on the other hand, were significantly thinner after expansion. Capsules were formed in all 19 patients. The capsule was significantly thickest after 2 to 2.5 months of expansion. Expanded tissues 2 years after cessation of expansion had the same thickness as control tissues and had no remnant fibrous capsule.