How long does expander have to be in place before the implant exchange?

Typically expanders are left in place for about 3 months after expansion is complete.  This can vary a little from surgeon to surgeon, but each procedure typically does not take very long, nor is the recovery very long.  It should differ greatly from your experience with the initial mastectomies.

Thank you for your question and sorry about your issues in the past.  Generally expanders stay in for about three months to make sure the pocket is mature where the implant will be placed.  For your reconstruction you can go over or under the muscle and over muscle will have an easier recovery.  You can also request Botox to be Injected into the muscle so you have less pain during the post operative course and during expansions.  Best of luck. 

Thank you for your question. In general, you will need to take of a week or so after having an expander placed. You will still have some activity restrictions but you should be able to get back to a desk job. You will undergo weekly expansions in office for few weeks until you and your plastic surgeon are happy with the final volume. After full expansion, it's best to wait at least 3 months if not more prior to having the expander removed and an implant placed. Best of Luck.