Uneven softness on breast tissue expander

I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had bilateral mastectomy with tissue expander reconstruction. I was filled with 350cc's. It was done about 3 weeks ago. The expanders feel kind of soft in some areas. Is this normal?

3 answers to “Uneven softness on breast tissue...”

A: Uneven softness in recent tissue expanders likely is normal

Sutton Graham II, MD

Goryes: We're sorry to hear you had breast cancer and needed reconstruction. I assume you have had the opportunity to talk with your Plastic Surgeon at length. Tissue expanders are usually placed under thin skin and some muscle. Then they are partially filled initially. The expander itself has a firm disk... more

A: Irregular sensation over your breast tissue expander

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

This is quite normal and typically reflects the characteristics of the tissues covering the expander. In some areas it may be muscle which tends to be firm and in the other areas it may be skin and fat which tends to be softer. Some surgeons use skin like subtitutes to provide additional coverage of the lower... more

A: Uneven consistency of breast tissue expanders

Barry H. Dolich, MD

There are many factors that may account for what you are experiencing: 1. The expander my not be completely filled after 3 wks. 2 The shape of the epander or its wall construction. 3. The thickness of your tissue in that area. 4.The presence of a fluid collection. Your  surgeon should be able to answer... more

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