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How to Repair Muscle Damage Due to Expander Extrusion Post Double Mastectomy?

asked 1 year ago by KCK in Kansas City, MO
Latest answer by David L. Abramson, MD
Question viewed 441 times
Tags: damage, drop, exercise, expander, muscle, options, repair, spasms

2 months post double mastectomy-undergoing expansion-prepping for implant exchange. 3 weeks ago expander pushed through muscle (still under the skin-but palpable "bubble"). Released to begin exercise but now affected area is over 5 cm long & breast dropped 1-2 inches.

Am experiencing muscle spasms where Alloderm is attached. Concerned about exercise exacerbating problem and possibility of permanent muscle damage(am exercise freak).Don't care about size.Can dr. repair surgically?What to do?

5 answers to How to Repair Muscle Damage Due to Expander Extrusion Post Double Mastectomy?

+2

Muscle damage with Tissue Expansion

The muscle can likely be repaired at time of removal of Tissue Expander (TE) and replacement with a permanent implant.  Either the muscle can be repaired primarily or with additional AlloDerm.  It is possible that no repair is needed and just replacement of the TE with a softer permanent implant will solve the problem.  If all else fails, fat grafting can be done to soften the look.  Raising the fold can also be done at the time if permanent implant placement.  The... more
Leif Liu Rogers, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

www.leifrogersmd.com

+2

Breast Reconstruction

The "BUBBLE" you are feeling is probably the expander either buckled and went throuh the muscle fibers. or just the expander seperated the fibers of the muscle and now you feel it because of thin skin. With excercise you probably seperated the muscle fibers more. Now repair depend on the examination, if there is buckling of expander and is not flattening with expansion, you may need surgery, becuse the buckled expander edge can erode through the skin. If it is only... more
Samir Shureih, MD

Baltimore Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast reconstruction

Muscle repair can be performed at the time of implant exchange with an acellular dermal matrix such as alloderm.
David L. Abramson, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Tissue expander problem

If the chest is expanding satisfactorily, then the muscle can be repaired at the time of implant exchange along with the alloderm.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Repair of muscle damage with tissue expansion

I am sure you understand that no one can give you definitive advice without seeing you, but if there is an area where there is only skin over the expander then I would advise caution with vigorous exercise. Be sure to discuss the situation with you plastic surgeon. The repair may involve more Alloderm or direct repair of the muscle.
Richard Baxter, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon

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