The development of a new tissue expander for use in ophthalmic plastic surgery

We describe the first-time use of the tissue expansion principle in oculoplastic surgery. We have designed a tissue expander for use in eyelid surgery. This instrument was successfully used to treat difficult cases of cicatricial ectropion from multiple causes, avoiding the need for tissue grafting. It was also utilized preoperatively so a large forehead scar could be removed with good resultant cosmesis. The potential for this device in oculoplastic surgery is exciting.