Breast Expansion System Uses Gas to Stretch Tissues

A novel tissue expansion system uses carbon dioxide (CO2) released by the patient to stretch skin and muscles to create space for a permanent breast implant.

The AeroForm device is a needle-free device that uses a wireless remote control unit to allow women to expand breast tissues at their own pace, needed to accommodate a permanent breast implant. Following a standard implant procedure of the device, the patient can fully regulate the expansion protocol directed by their surgeon in the comfort of their own home and based on their level of comfort, instead of inconvenient office visits. Other benefits include improved cosmetic outcomes due to the use of a pre-determined natural form implant shape, and reduced overall time and costs for the physician’s office.


The device release a precise amount CO2 from an internal reservoir for gradual expansion, eliminating the need for percutaneous saline injection (the current protocol) and eliminating infection risk from the needle site. Use of the system has been shown in clinical studies to shorten tissue expansion time from months to weeks, and significantly reduce pain and discomfort. The AeroForm device is a product of AirXpanders (Palo Alto, CA, USA), and has received the European Community CE marking of approval.

“We are extremely pleased that the AeroForm has received this important regulatory milestone that will give women outside of the United States access to a patient-friendly option for tissue expansion when undergoing breast reconstruction after a mastectomy,” said Scott Dodson, president and CEO of AirXpanders.

The traditional method for breast expansion involves a surgeon placing a saline tissue expander under the skin and pectoral muscle following the mastectomy. During subsequent office visits, the surgeon inserts a needle through the skin and muscle into a magnetic port to inject a bolus of saline into the expander to the level tolerated by the patient.

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