Systems and methods for a tissue expander

A method for forming a final encapsulated breast pocket with a graft material integrated into a posterior portion of a patient's skin flap, comprising:

• forming an initial breast pocket in a breast area of the patient;
• inserting an extended breast tissue expander into the initial breast pocket, comprising:
• a breast tissue expander, comprising:
• a shell defining a closed interior volume configured to retain a filler material, wherein the shell comprises:
• an expandable anterior shell;
• and a substantially nonexpandable posterior section, wherein the posterior section comprises an integrated portion of the shell;
• and
• a port disposed through the shell and into the interior volume;
• an extension portion coupled to the breast tissue expander, wherein the extension portion:
• is integral to the posterior section of the shell, extending therefrom as a partially continuous annular rim, wherein the partially continuous annular rim is absent from only approximately twenty percent to approximately forty percent of an inferior pole of the shell such that at least one of a medial and a lateral portion of the extension portion is present below a horizontal midline of the shell;
• has a substantially uniform thickness;
• is substantially nonexpandable to provide a backing to the shell such that
• the shell expands anteriorly away from the chest wall upon filling with the filler material;
• and
• is configured to be sutured;
• and
• a graft material coupled to the partially continuous annular rim, wherein the graft material overlays an anterior portion of the shell to contact and integrate into a the posterior portion of the skin flap;
• suturing the partially continuous annular rim to at least one of an underlying muscle fascia and a chest wall fascia of the patient;
• and
• at least partially inflating the shell with the filler material to press the graft material against the posterior portion of the skin flap.