What can be done if the expanders placed are too small? My Dr placed 300cc expanders & overfilled to 400cc. I already had 275cc implants prior to my mastectomy & was very specific I wanted to be at least a full C (size prior to) or small D. I am very unhappy with my size B & Dr said he cannot fill more due to expander size. Is it possible to have a larger implant placed at the exchange? Do I need bigger expanders placed to increase the pocket size? I am 5'5, 130 pounds with a slender build.
Answer: Maximum expander size is determined by your base breast width I am sorry to hear of the disappointing result you have had from tissue expansion.Tissue expanders can in various sizes. Expanders are all anatomical/tear drop so have varying width, height and projection. The expander width is determined by the base width of your breast - any wider and the expander (and ultimately the implant) will extend into your armpit - which is both awkward for arm movement and a bad look. The height of the expander is determined by how high the implant needs to be reconstruct the upper pole of the breast. If you are short, an overly tall implant would look unusual. Finally, the projection/profile of the implant can be low, moderate, full or extra full.Check with your plastic surgeon that the maximum volume expander has been used given the parameters I've outlines above. You may need to exchange to a larger tissue expander and have further expansion prior to having a definitive implant placed.I hope this helps.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
Answer: Maximum expander size is determined by your base breast width I am sorry to hear of the disappointing result you have had from tissue expansion.Tissue expanders can in various sizes. Expanders are all anatomical/tear drop so have varying width, height and projection. The expander width is determined by the base width of your breast - any wider and the expander (and ultimately the implant) will extend into your armpit - which is both awkward for arm movement and a bad look. The height of the expander is determined by how high the implant needs to be reconstruct the upper pole of the breast. If you are short, an overly tall implant would look unusual. Finally, the projection/profile of the implant can be low, moderate, full or extra full.Check with your plastic surgeon that the maximum volume expander has been used given the parameters I've outlines above. You may need to exchange to a larger tissue expander and have further expansion prior to having a definitive implant placed.I hope this helps.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
April 4, 2015
Answer: Anatomic limitations to Breast Reconstruction - #plasticsurgery Expanders are usually selected based on chest wall diameter. Expansion is then limited by overlying tissue thickness and elasticity. Expanders may be overfilled with little risk of rupture. Once a pocket is expanded, it makes little sense to change and expander. If there is more room on the chest laterally and superiorly, a larger implant may be placed at the time of exchange. Also, remember that the device itself usually adds about 50 cc of volume. If a form stable shaped implant is being used, there will be some volume limitations on what is available as well. While patients have expectations of their breast reconstruction, they may or may not be anatomically possible to meet. These limitations should be covered by the surgeon during the consent phase and understood and accepted by the patient before proceeding.
Helpful
April 4, 2015
Answer: Anatomic limitations to Breast Reconstruction - #plasticsurgery Expanders are usually selected based on chest wall diameter. Expansion is then limited by overlying tissue thickness and elasticity. Expanders may be overfilled with little risk of rupture. Once a pocket is expanded, it makes little sense to change and expander. If there is more room on the chest laterally and superiorly, a larger implant may be placed at the time of exchange. Also, remember that the device itself usually adds about 50 cc of volume. If a form stable shaped implant is being used, there will be some volume limitations on what is available as well. While patients have expectations of their breast reconstruction, they may or may not be anatomically possible to meet. These limitations should be covered by the surgeon during the consent phase and understood and accepted by the patient before proceeding.
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