Breast Reconstruction: Q&A
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Low Profile Expanders for 31 Year Old Having Double Mastectomy - Is This Right?
A natural 34B breast size 5"8' with thin frame. Plastic surgeon suggests I need low profile expander but seems more common for people to have medium. Is low profile the right choice? I will be having skin sparing mastectomy and expanded for 9 weeks before radiation begins.
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7 Doctor Answers |
Asked by
helpneededplease
in Houston, TX
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The best dimensions of breast implants for reconstruction are tailored to your particular frame and aesthetic goals
There is no hard and fast rule when it comes to the brand, type, size, shape or dimensions of breast implants used for either breast reconstruction or breast augmentation.
Some women need moderate (medium) profile implants, while for others the lowest profile are appropriate, and in still others, high profile implants are used.
The best fit of implant takes into account the dimensions (width) of the breast base (the "breast footprint"), the volume of the breast...
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Breast expander
The choice of breast expander really depends upon how your breast looks before mastectomy. Many times this is a low or medium height expander.
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Tissue expander choice
Depending on your current breast size/shape as well as your projected reconstructive goal, you have options for low, moderate, or high profile expander. You should discuss with your plastic surgeon what your ultimate goal is for your breast shape and size. As you go from low, to moderate, to high profile expanders, you will be able to have larger implants as well as more fullness superiorly. If you want to maintain 34B, you should be okay with low or moderate profile....
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Tissue expander shape for breast reconstruction.
The choice of "profile" with a tissue expander is based upon the current breast dimensions and the overall goal of the reconstruction. In general, medium height expanders are the most commonly used. However, low height expanders can be ideal in smaller breasts or when attempting to create an accentuated tear-drop shape. During the replacement of the expander for the implant, manipulation of the pocket can be performed to correct pocket position and size.
On the issue of...
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Tissue expander selection
The choice of tissue expanders for breast reconstruction depends on what your surgeon is trying to create and on what your existing breasts look like. Your existing breasts determine the width of your expander. The projection depends on the shape that he/she is trying to create and the volume desired. Additionally, your surgeon may be opting to create less tissue expansion as you will be having radiation. Given the fact that you will have radiation after the...
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Low Profile Expanders
From your self description I would opt for the higher profile expanders. But remember I have never seen you in person. My best wishes from MIAMI Dr. Darryl J. Blinski, 305 598 0091
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Breast Reconstruction with Tissue Expander Implants
There are generally three types of tissue expander implants: low, medium or high "height" implants. Depending on your anatomy (chest wall width and height), I would determine what tissue expander would facilitate the best reconstructed breast shape for you. However, with the use of Alloderm or Strattice (also know as acellular dermal matrices = a sheet of collagen), quite frankly, the type of tissue expander utilized will likely not make that much of a...
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