I have folds in both breast tissue expanders. 2 months post-op.

Question

I had a prophylactic double mastectomy 01/10/17. I had delayed reconstruction 03/23/17. My expanders have folds. I've had 2 fills. 1st was 50 cc in each and the second 75 cc in each. The PS has done some gentle massaging trying to get them to unfold. My next fill is in 3 weeks. Is there anything I can do to unfold them or do I just wait for my next fill?

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

At the fill levels you are at, it is not uncommon to feel the tissue expanders folds.  As the expander is filled up over time, the folds will become less prominent.At this point I would just continue on with your expansions as scheduled and know that the folds will resolve over time with more fills.Hope that helps.

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for this great question. When expanders are placed, they are often folded or creased. The internal structure of an expander often makes them more stiff and uncomfortable, especially right after surgery. As the expansion proceeds and the expander unfolds, they will get more comfortable and morph into the rounded shape that they were intended to be. I would not worry about efforts to improve them right now, just be patient and proceed with the expansion. It will get better.Best of luck!

I have folds in both breast tissue expanders. 2 months post-op.

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