Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery
Supervisor： National Health Commission of the People's Republic of ChinaSponsor： Chinese Association of Rehabilitation Medicine , Sichuan University Editor-in-chief：Bin Shen Publishing period：
Monthly
ISSN：1002-1892CN：51-1372/R
Objective To explore the current status and advances of tissue expansion technology in post-mastectomy breast reconstruction, and to provide references for the rational selection of expander types, implant planes, and strategies for complication prevention and management in clinical practice. Methods An extensive review was conducted on relevant literature and clinical research data, both domestic and international, from recent years regarding tissue expansion techlology for breast reconstruction following mastectomy. The focus was on summarizing the characteristics and indications of different types of expanders, outlining the advantages and disadvantages of the two implant planes, subpectoral and prepectoral, and discussing the prevention and management of common complications. Results Tissue expanders continue to serve as a pivotal element in breast prosthesis reconstruction, with their effectiveness being subject to the influence of multiple factors, including expander type, filling medium, implant plane, and individual patient characteristics. In recent years, research endeavors have concentrated on prepectoral placement, the selection of expanders with varying surface properties, and a comparative analysis between air and saline filling techniques. Notably, different technical strategies demonstrate distinct variations in terms of postoperative pain, seroma, infection, and capsular contracture. Conclusion Tissue expansion technology has become a cornerstone of implant-based breast reconstruction after mastectomy. Each expander type, filling method, and implant plane has its own advantages and limitations; selection should be tailored to the patient’s anatomical condition, oncologic treatment plan, and individualized aesthetic requirements.
Citation：JIANG Yanxin, TANG Zeyao, XIAO Shune. Advances in application of tissue expansion technology in breast reconstruction. Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery, 2026, 40(5): 815-822. doi: 10.7507/1002-1892.202601036Copy
Copyright ? the editorial department of Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery of West China Medical Publisher. All rights reserved
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Patel AA, Borrelli MR, Cai L, et al. Comparing prepectoral versus subpectoral tissue expander placement outcomes in delayed-immediate autologous breast reconstruction. Ann Plast Surg, 2020, 84(5S Suppl 4): S329-S335.
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Fijany AJ, Chaker SC, Holan CA, et al. Post-mastectomy breast reconstruction with gas vs saline tissue expanders: Does the fill type matter? Aesthet Surg J, 2024, 44(6): 612-622.
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Zeidler KR, Capizzi PJ, Pittman TA. Sientra AlloX2 short-term case study, surgical pearls, and roundtable discussion. Plast Reconstr Surg, 2018, 141(4S Sientra Shaped and Round Cohesive Gel Implants): 29S-39S.
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Soni SE, Le NK, Buller M, et al. Complication profile of total submuscular versus prepectoral tissue expander placement: A retrospective cohort study. Ann Plast Surg, 2022, 88(5 Suppl 5): S439-S442.
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Hemal K, Boyd C, Perez Otero S, et al. Is a seroma the “kiss of death” in prepectoral tissue expander reconstruction? Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open, 2025, 13(6): e6842. doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000006842.
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15. Huis in’t Veld EA, Long C, Sue GR, et al. Analysis of aesthetic outcomes and patient satisfaction after delayed-immediate autologous breast reconstruction. Ann Plast Surg, 2018, 80(5S Suppl 5): S303-S307.
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26. Patel AA, Borrelli MR, Cai L, et al. Comparing prepectoral versus subpectoral tissue expander placement outcomes in delayed-immediate autologous breast reconstruction. Ann Plast Surg, 2020, 84(5S Suppl 4): S329-S335.
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39. Fijany AJ, Chaker SC, Holan CA, et al. Post-mastectomy breast reconstruction with gas vs saline tissue expanders: Does the fill type matter? Aesthet Surg J, 2024, 44(6): 612-622.
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42. Zeidler KR, Capizzi PJ, Pittman TA. Sientra AlloX2 short-term case study, surgical pearls, and roundtable discussion. Plast Reconstr Surg, 2018, 141(4S Sientra Shaped and Round Cohesive Gel Implants): 29S-39S.
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51. Soni SE, Le NK, Buller M, et al. Complication profile of total submuscular versus prepectoral tissue expander placement: A retrospective cohort study. Ann Plast Surg, 2022, 88(5 Suppl 5): S439-S442.
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57. Hemal K, Boyd C, Perez Otero S, et al. Is a seroma the “kiss of death” in prepectoral tissue expander reconstruction? Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open, 2025, 13(6): e6842. doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000006842.
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Citation：JIANG Yanxin, TANG Zeyao, XIAO Shune. Advances in application of tissue expansion technology in breast reconstruction. Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery, 2026, 40(5): 815-822. doi: 10.7507/1002-1892.202601036
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