A tissue growth apparatus and method are provided for growing tissue by applying a tissue growth medium to the tissue and applying reduced, sub-atmospheric pressure at the growth medium and the tissue in a controlled manner for a selected time period. The application of reduced pressure at the growth medium and tissue promotes growth of the tissue within the tissue growth medium. The apparatus includes a tissue cover sealed over a tissue site. The apparatus also includes a tissue growth medium located beneath the tissue cover and in contact with the tissue to be grown. A vacuum pump supplies suction within the tissue cover over the tissue site to provide reduced pressure to the tissue and the tissue growth medium.
