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.