Tissue Expanders for Breast Augmentation?

asked 3 years ago by ConfusedPatient in Harrisonburg,VA
Latest answer by Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Question viewed 712 times
Tags: breasts, bigger

I had radiation to my chest because i had cancer from the ages of 5-7. I have no breast tissue and want to be a "B" cup. My Ps suggests I get tissue expanders. How much would they cost?

He also said that I should get saline but I am a thin person! Wouldn't that be a bad choice? The first PS I went to said nothing about the expanders and said to get a B size I would need from 225-250ccs. What do you think?

6 answers to Tissue Expanders for Breast Augmentation?

Ask about expander-implants

Another option is what is called an expander-implant (Mentor Spectrum). This is a saline implant with a "fill port" that is attached to the implant and it sits under the skin below the bottom of the breast. The idea is to gradually fill it over a couple of months to the desired size, like a tissue expander, but then the port is removed under local anesthesia as a simple procedure. It is of course a saline implant but the Spectrums seem to do very well in terms of rippling and so... more

Richard Baxter, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Radiation damage stunting breast growth.

This is a very complex problem and requires a physical exam. Clearly your own bodies tissues with a healthy vascular supply would be a preferable choice and a have a lower chance of capsular contracture due to your history of radiation.However,this would require more surgery. Fat grafting has emerged as a new option with the potential to reverse some of the radiation changes.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Would need to see you

As you probably know the radiation you had as a toung woman effected your tissues making them tighter and less stretchable. This is unfortunately something that does not go away. A tissue expander often does not work well in irradiated tissues but may allow enouch stretch for a small implant. Being a thin woman I would think a silicone gel implant would be your best choice. Dr Edwards

Michael C. Edwards, MD
Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon

www.medwardsmd.com

Gel filled implant may be appropriate

Your history of radiation to the chest is the wild card when making a decision about using implants and which type of implant would be best in your situation. Radiation can definitely effect your soft tissue response the the implant. Radiated tissue, in general, can have increased problems when it comes to tissue expansion. In order to give you a good answer I would need to review your anatomy. If your skin is not overly tight then a simple breast augmentation using an implant in the... more

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Many different roads...

There are many different roads to the same destination. In general, implants do not do as well in irradiated tissue as in non-irradiated tissue. From what you describe, you had a lack of development due to radiation as a child. Depending on the pliability of your tissues, a surgeon might suggest tissue expanders to gradually stretch the soft tissues. This will require two operations, the second being to exchange the expander with the permanent implants. Alternatively, a surgeon can try to... more

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Breast augmentation after childhood radiation to the chest

Childhood radiation for treatment of a variety of illnesses can interfere with breast development. Since your current state is the consequence of a medical illness, correction of this condition should be classifed as breast "reconstruction". Your insurance plan should cover at least some of the associated cost(s) for reconstruction of your breast(s). There are many options available to you - the very same options as for breast cancer reconstruction. These include either... more

Karen M. Horton, MD
San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

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