Four weeks ago I underwent a skin sparing mastectomy with tissue expanders. Four weeks later following my surgeon filled the expanders up 300 ml, then performed one fill of 300ml . The next day the left breast had blistered. 65 percent of the breast has turned black. My MD advises that surgery is necessary to remove the necrotic skin and remove the expander. Do I have to have this surgery? Did my surgeon overfill the expander with 300cc of saline? My tram flap is scheduled for May 17.
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April 23, 2013
Answer: Necrotic Skin after Tissue Expander and Skin Sparing Mastectomy
There will be diminished to no sensation at the mastectomy site. You will not have any feedback as to the temperature of the hot water bottle. I would not recommend it as you are at risk for being burned as well as possibly increasing bleeding/bruising. If you do place...
I generally want people getting some walking exercise right away. By 6 weeks patients can typically do almost anything. I would reserve exercises that specifically cause pec major (chest muscle) to heavily contract (push-ups) or stretch (yoga) until the 8 week point. Of course...
Treating the disease process should take priority so I would defer to your breast surgeon and radiation oncologist based upon your individual case. Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA