Uneven Softness on Breast Tissue Expander

Question

I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had bilateral mastectomy with tissue expander reconstruction. I was filled with 350cc's. It was done about 3 weeks ago. The expanders feel kind of soft in some areas. Is this normal?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

This is normal. The strategy for a tissue expander is to underfill in order to optimize breast tissue perfusion.  Your surgeon will begin to fill the tissue expander soon.

Kevin Brenner, MD, FACS · Answer

Most tissue expanders have a very rough and irregular texture to their surface. Often times, patients are able to feel these irregularities through their skin. Although some of the irregularities may be inherent to your residual breast skin and tissue envelope, this will likely improve once the expanders are replaced by permanent  implants.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

This is quite normal and typically reflects the characteristics of the tissues covering the expander. In some areas it may be muscle which tends to be firm and in the other areas it may be skin and fat which tends to be softer. Some surgeons use skin like subtitutes to provide additional coverage of the lower and inner parts of tne breast which may cause a different sensation as well.
Ask you surgeon and I am sure he will gladly answer your questions.

Raj S. Ambay, MD · Answer

Expanders have a soft shell and a port through which the implant is located and filled. The "hard part" is the port that is felt through the skin with the soft part usually being the silicone portion of  expander itself. If you have concerns that something is changed, make sure you address it with your plastic surgeon.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Tissue expanders can feel soft until they are filled to the max.  If you are concerned, then I would speak to or see your surgeon

Uneven Softness on Breast Tissue Expander

Answers (9)

Answer: Expander feel different

Answer: Expander feel different

Answer: Tissue expanders

Answer: Tissue expanders

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reconstruction

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Uneven Softness on Breast Tissue Expander

Answers (9)

Answer: Expander feel different

Answer: Expander feel different

Answer: Tissue expanders

Answer: Tissue expanders

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reconstruction

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