Breast reconstruction through tissue expansion.

While not appropriate for all patients, tissue expansion is a popular alternative to using muscle flaps for breast reconstruction. Tissue expansion is a method of breast reconstruction that uses an inflatable expander to stretch the remaining skin and tissue following a mastectomy. The advantages of breast reconstruction via tissue expansion are many. Plastic surgical nurses are key in providing an adequate patient education program that will assist patients to comply with the postoperative expectations. Complications, although uncommon, do occur and usually can be treated for a satisfying result.