Can empty tissue expanders shift in the breast pocket?

Question

Hello! I had tissue expanders placed post mastectomy in December. The left side has been filled and is doing fine. The right side has some CCs in it, but will begin filling in June. The right side does not cause any pain, but it does move around in the breast pocket. Is this normal? This side was the cancer free side. It was left empty to allow room for radiation on the left side. There is a lot of breast tissue surrounding the expander that would allow movement.

Eric Wright, MD · Answer

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

Rahul Vemula, MD · Answer

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

Can empty tissue expanders shift in the breast pocket?

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Can empty tissue expanders shift in the breast pocket?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reconstruction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.