Can you have a tissue expander removed before the surgeon begin filling the expander?

Question

Joshua Lampert, MD, FACS · Answer

Tissue expanders are usually placed to assist with the breast reconstruction process. Tissue expanders are gradually filled until you are happy with the volume and size, and they are replaced with a permanent implant of your choice. With that being said, you can have the tissue expander removed at anytime. Make sure you consult with a plastic surgeon who is board certified and discuss all of your options. Best of luck to you!

Ram Kalus, MD, FACS · Answer

From your question it is unclear what problems you are having, but an expander is ideally left in place until the desired volume is reached. That said, for a change of heart or healing complications an expander can be removed at any time. Please check back with your plastic surgeon. If you have concerns, a second opinion with an experienced board eligible or board certified plastic surgeon is your best next step. Good luck.

Justin West, MD · Answer

Hi and thank you for the question. You can choose to have your expanders removed at any time if you decide that you no longer want to have implant based breast reconstruction.  If you like the initial volume your surgeon put in the expanders at the time of surgery and you just don't feel like you need to do any further fillings then you can have your expanders removed and have similar sized implants placed. It might help to clarify your goals so we can better answer your question. Best of luck to you. 
Dr West

Rachel Streu, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thanks for posting your question.I'm not sure the origin of your question, but briefly:Tissue expanders are typically placed at the time of mastectomy to "begin" the process of breast reconstruction. They hold space and can be expanded to increase space needed for replacement with more permanent breast implants. The tissue expanders typically remain in place for 2-3 months after they have been filled to the goal volume and are then removed and replaced with silicone implants of a similar size.I would highly recommend discussing your specific questions with your plastic surgeon and wish you the best of luck.

Hilton Becker, MD · Answer

YesExpanders are filled to a certain volume at the time of surgery.It may not be necessary to fill them ant further before replacement with the  final implant

Can you have a tissue expander removed before the surgeon begin filling the expander?

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Answer: Tissue Expanders

Answer: Tissue Expanders

Answer: Can you have a tissue expander removed before the surgeon begin filling the expander?

Answer: Can you have a tissue expander removed before the surgeon begin filling the expander?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reconstruction

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Can you have a tissue expander removed before the surgeon begin filling the expander?

Answers (6)

Answer: Tissue Expanders

Answer: Tissue Expanders

Answer: Can you have a tissue expander removed before the surgeon begin filling the expander?

Answer: Can you have a tissue expander removed before the surgeon begin filling the expander?

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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.