Can empty tissue expanders shift in the breast pocket?

Congratulations on recently finishing your radiation.  The right tissue expander could move or it could be a small amount of fluid in it moving.  Tissue expanders can be textured or smooth.  As well, some have the ability to be sutured/secured into place.  Regardless of the type, they all could shift or move in the pocket.  Know that expanders are just temporary devices.  Typically they can still be expanded regardless of their orientation.  Your plastic surgeon can determine how things are progressing during the expansion process.  Good luck with your ongoing reconstruction and recovery.

Dr. E Wright

Hello.

thank you very much for your question. Congrats on finishing radiation! Yes it is possible for the tissue expanders to shift in the pocket after a breast reconstruction. It depends on what type of tissue expander was sued. If the expander was a smooth expander versus a textured expander it has a higher tendency to shift. In addition, when the expander isn’t fully inflated with saline, it can also shift. 

My advise to you is visit the plastic surgeon that performed the procedure for an examination. 

Best wishes and best of luck with the remainder of your breast reconstruction. 
Rahul Vemula, MD 
Double Board Certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon