Need tissue expanders a 2nd time?

I had a bilateral mastectomy last September with tissue expanders with the exchange surgery in April. I expanded to 650cc silicon implants and am not satisfied with the size and would like to go up to the 800cc model. I am trying to figure out if I will need to have the tissue expanders put back in again before I can move to the bigger size implant. I have had the nipple reconstruction and will be having the nipple tattoo in a few months. Will going up in size affect these things as well? I have had no problems with the surgeries or the current implants that I have now.

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3 Doctor Answers | Asked by 2xcancermn

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Increasing size after breast reconstruction

Thank you for the question! I'm sorry to hear that you are not completely satisfies with your breast reconstruction results thus far. It sounds as if you are pleased overall with the implant-based reconstruction. An increase in size from 650cc to 800cc is close, however, may be difficult to achieve with simple exchange of implants alone. It is difficult to accurately answer your question without photographs or an examination. If you do have some laxity now, it... more

800 cc implants

Without pictures or the ability to examine you this is very difficult to answer. Clearly your expectations have not been met. The size you are describing is reachin the limits of devices. If the size and shape are not to your liking maybe you should investigate some of the flaps being performed like DIEP flaps. Fat grafting with or without BRAVA could be used.