Get the real deal on beauty treatments—real doctors, real reviews, and real photos with real results.Here's how we earn your trust.

see all q&a
Posted underBreast Reconstruction q&a

Why are expanders almost up to my collarbone?

User Avatar
cwyleSep 17, 2014
4 months ago I got expanders after a bilateral mastectomy for DCIS as a BRCA2 carrier. (Fills started at 3 months since I had to heal from a large blister before expansion could start). After the last fill (bringing the total to 355 cc) my expanders are now only 2 inches from my collarbone and expanded almost into my armpit area. Is this normal? I am supposed to get more fills, but it looks like the skin is stretched to capacity already.

Answers (2)

From board-certified doctors and trusted medical professionals
Martin Jugenburg, MD profile photo
Dr. Martin Jugenburg, MD
Certified Plastic Surgeon
4.8 | 879 Reviews
Answered on Oct 25, 2020
Answer
🔗 Link
Dr. C. Bob Basu, MD, MPH, FACS
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answered on Sep 19, 2014
Answer

More Breast Reconstruction Questions

Top Answer
User Avatar
Martin Jugenburg, MD

There is no medical issue with a deflated tissue expander.  Aside from feeling the port that may annoy you, there is no downside to having a deflated tissue expander.

+7 answers
Top Answer
User Avatar
Donovan Rosas, MD

One of the benefits of having expanders in place is the flexibility they provide. Patients are encouraged to actively participate in the filling process and decisions that need to be made. There are some benchmarks which can be used as guidelines including the capacity of the expander, the...

+6 answers
Top Answer
User Avatar
Martin Jugenburg, MD

Sounds like this has been going on for a very long time.  When aspirations and injections do not work, perhaps it's time to consider surgery to excise the seroma cavity (the linining of the cavity) and possibly use a VAC system to help with the closure and healing.

+4 answers
See all Breast Reconstruction Q&A
See more Breast Reconstruction Q&As
See all Q&As
SEE BREAST RECONSTRUCTION GUIDE →