A tissue expansion device implanted in a non-activated state over a region
of desired tissue growth. Once implanted and positioned the device is
activated creating a supporting structure that creates a convex shaped
dome over the underlying tissue. The convex shaped dome formed by the
tissue expansion device places a tensile stress against the underlying
tissue that promotes tissue growth. Alone or with the introduction of
tissue enhancing agents and/or adipose tissue, new tissue within the
convex shaped void grows until a balance is achieved eliminating the
induced stress. Periodically the tissue expansion devices is again
activated and enlarged creating an even larger void. Again, the newly
enlarged void places additional tensile stress on the underlying tissue
thus repeating the cycle of new tissue growth. Once the desired amount of
tissue growth has been achieved the device is deactivated and removed.