4 months ago I got expanders after a bilateral mastectomy for DCIS as a BRCA2 carrier. (Fills started at 3 months since I had to heal from a large blister before expansion could start). After the last fill (bringing the total to 355 cc) my expanders are now only 2 inches from my collarbone and expanded almost into my armpit area. Is this normal? I am supposed to get more fills, but it looks like the skin is stretched to capacity already.
Answers (2)
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There is no medical issue with a deflated tissue expander. Aside from feeling the port that may annoy you, there is no downside to having a deflated tissue expander.
One of the benefits of having expanders in place is the flexibility they provide. Patients are encouraged to actively participate in the filling process and decisions that need to be made. There are some benchmarks which can be used as guidelines including the capacity of the expander, the...
Sounds like this has been going on for a very long time. When aspirations and injections do not work, perhaps it's time to consider surgery to excise the seroma cavity (the linining of the cavity) and possibly use a VAC system to help with the closure and healing.