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... more














unregistered guest
19 Mar 2009
Had left mastectomy - wearing a breast form...can I still wear it with the expanders? so as not to look lopsided?
unregistered guest
18 Apr 2009
Yes, I am very skinny and found it quite painful, even with Tylenol 3 for pain. I found it particularly painful immediately following each expansion. I had delayed reconstruction and was never told about skin sparing mastectomy, so my skin was very tight. I slept in a semi-prone position in a recliner for a few months. I could not stand to lay flat. Don't intend to scare you, and still would do it again but I wish someone had told me what I was in for. Don't let people minimize your pain or think you are unusual if you are in pain. Make your doctors aware of it. Good luck to all who face this. It takes courage and strength but you can get through it.
7 posts
22 May 2009
I had bilateral breast reconstruction with expanders. I had very little pain during expansion. each fill was 100 cc there was only pressure and tightness. I hope this is helpful