What Happens if the Breast Tissue Expander is Improperly Placed by the Surgeon?

Question

I had a mastectomy (with skin preservation as i was a D to DD and wanting to go to a C) the plastic surgeon put in an expander 7 weeks ago and finished filling it 2 weeks ago. the breast mound is misshapen and the top of the expander is about 1 inch from my clavical. the largest amount of fluid is at the top just under my clavical. the surgeon admitted it is too high and says he can adjust the pocket when he puts in the permanent implant. do i need another surgeon to look at this?

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

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.

C. Bob Basu, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Based on what you have written, you are undergoing two stage implant reconstruction. I would encourage you to communicate your concerns to your surgeon. It sounds like your plastic surgeon has recognized the issue and plans to correct it at your implant exchange procedure (where the hard temporary tissue expander is removed and a softer saline or silicone implant is placed). This 2nd stage surgery will allow your surgeon to fine-tune and sculpt your reconstructed breast mound.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

If you have concerns and want another opinion, you might cal on Drs Beasley and Waterson as I know them both and they are excellent breast plastic surgeons.  Good luck!

What Happens if the Breast Tissue Expander is Improperly Placed by the Surgeon?

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What Happens if the Breast Tissue Expander is Improperly Placed by the Surgeon?

Answers (3)

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