Expansion can have minimal discomfort if done properly

David A. Robinson, MD answers: Do breast reconstruction tissue expanders cause any pain as they expand?

It seems like a tissue expander would be painful as it stretches the skin - am I crazy?


David A. Robinson, MD
10 months ago
By David A. Robinson, MD - Munster Plastic Surgeon

Placement of tissue expanders following breast reconstruction is a  very common method of reconstruction.  The process involves injecting saline, through a port in the expander, in the office on a weekly basis.  The amount of saline placed is determined by your plastic surgeon at each visit.  The amount of saline injected can vary based on the amount of discomfort you experience during and after each expansion.  When done properly, with the patients feedback, tissue expansion can be a relatively painless process with minimal discomfort.

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