I had a unilateral mastectomy on 10/29. 300cc's at that time and 2 fills so far,I have 400ccs now. I'll have my final surgery next September. So this expander will be with me for quite some time. The expanded sits high on my chest & it doesn't look like it is filling on the bottom just up top. There is a fold of skin under the expander and on the side of my body. Will that improve with more fills. I feel bad even worrying, my main concern is my health of course but I do feel depressed.
November 28, 2015
Answer: Tissue Expanders Hi lebrad,Sorry are you're feeling depressed, but do not get discouraged. Breast reconstruction is a long process with multiple steps along the way. You're just at the beginning. Most expanders are teardrop shaped. There is much more resistance underneath the muscle at the inframammary fold then there is at the upper pole (top) of the breast. That's why the expanders have an easier time expanding the upper pole. However as the expander fills, the fluid is forced to the lower pole and will begin to expand the lower pole as well. Even if the expander is a bit too high in position and can be modified and the pocket changed when your permanent implants are placed. There will be marked improvement in how your breasts feels once the stiff tissue expander is removed and a softer silicone implant is placed. So try not to get discouraged at this part of the reconstructive process. Good luck!
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
November 28, 2015
Answer: Tissue Expanders Hi lebrad,Sorry are you're feeling depressed, but do not get discouraged. Breast reconstruction is a long process with multiple steps along the way. You're just at the beginning. Most expanders are teardrop shaped. There is much more resistance underneath the muscle at the inframammary fold then there is at the upper pole (top) of the breast. That's why the expanders have an easier time expanding the upper pole. However as the expander fills, the fluid is forced to the lower pole and will begin to expand the lower pole as well. Even if the expander is a bit too high in position and can be modified and the pocket changed when your permanent implants are placed. There will be marked improvement in how your breasts feels once the stiff tissue expander is removed and a softer silicone implant is placed. So try not to get discouraged at this part of the reconstructive process. Good luck!
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
