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How Are Breast Expanders Supposed to Look While Getting Filled?

cmpizzJul 1, 2010
I had a bilateral mastectomy due to invasive lobular cancer in one breast and had tissue expanders at the time of the surgery. I just finished my 2nd inflation (did not get inflation during surgery b/c muscles too tight) and am wondering if it is normal after 2nd inflation for breast "bumps" to be very high up on body and not have the shape of a breast. When you get addtl inflations does the breast mound lower and start to look more like breasts rather than bumps?

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Dr. Otto Joseph Placik, MD
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Answered on Jul 4, 2010
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Dr. James Apesos, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answered on Jul 8, 2010
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Dr. Samir Shureih, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answered on Jul 4, 2010
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Dr. Steven Wallach, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answered on Jul 6, 2010
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Steven Wallach, MD

Expanders can migrate high sometimes during the expansion phase.  Yes, it can often be adjusted at the second stage.  As for a 2nd opinion that is your choice.

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C. Bob Basu, MD, MPH, FACS

Your Tissue expander implants are made of a silicone shell and filled will saline.  If an integrated port tissue expander implant was utilized, then your have a filling port (chamber) that has a metal backing.  This metal port can be problematic with an MRI.    Perhaps a...

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Justin Gusching, DO

They should soften over time but it also depends on what is causing it. It could just be overlying inflammation and swelling causing it to feel taught. Usually if the implant is subpectoral then it will take time for the muscle to stretch more and soften around the implant. In my experience,...

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Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS

Breast Implant Rippling most often occurs when there is insufficient soft tissue coverage due to little overlying body fat and breast tissue. Implants placed beneath the muscle help to minimize this phenomena but the lower and outside breast (as pectoralis muscle is no longer present), towards...

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C. Bob Basu, MD, MPH, FACS

This is very common.  Unless there is redness or signs of infection or bleeding, this should not be a problem. 

+3 answers
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C. Bob Basu, MD, MPH, FACS

There is really no exercise that can prepare you better for this surgery.   Good nutrition (balanced diet) and staying away from cigarettes and second hand smoking are good things to do before any surgery.  Hope this helps.  Dr. Basu

+6 answers
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