Abstract: A tissue expander and a method of making a tissue expander which includes (a) a fluid-tight envelope which is inflatable by a single means for inflation and which has an expandable upper section formed of (i) a first elastic portion and (ii) a second elastic portion formed of a material having a lower modulus of elasticity than that of the material forming the first portion, so that during the inflation of said envelope the modulus of elasticity of each portion at least partially controls the amount of expansion of each portion, thereby allowing the envelope to assume a complex shape. The tissue expander also has a means for inflating the envelope with a biocompatible fluid.

Abstract: A tissue expander and a method of making a tissue expander which includes (a) a fluid-tight envelope which is inflatable by a single means for inflation and which has an expandable upper section formed (i) a first elastic portion and (ii) a second elastic portion formed of a material having a lower modulus of elasticity than that of the material forming the first portion, so that during the inflation of said envelope the modulus of elasticity of each portion at least partially controls the amount of expansion of each portion, thereby allowing the envelope to assume a complex shape. The tissue expander also has a means for inflating the envelope with a biocompatible fluid.

Abstract: Described herein is an improved injection reservoir of the type which is employed to permit subcutaneous inflation of inflatable, implantable prostheses such as tissue expanders. The improved injection reservoir has a lozenge shape when viewed from above which permits this injection reservoir to be more easily inserted and removed subcutaneously. In a more preferred embodiment, the injection reservoir has a low profile shape such that its height is no more than forth percent of its width.

Abstract: An instrument for subcutaneously inserting an injection reservoir attached to an inflatable prosthesis by means of an elongated fluid conduit is disclosed. The instrument has a hollowed end which holds the injection reservoir to be inserted in a mating, releasable fashion and that end is attached to a handle for guiding the hollowed end to the desired site. Desirably, but optionally, the end of the handle of the instrument is provided with a shaped tapered portion to act as a dilator to create a subcutaneous pocket prior to insertion of the injection reservoir.