Get the real deal on beauty treatments—real doctors, real reviews, and real photos with real results.Here's how we earn your trust.

see all q&a
Posted underBreast Reconstruction q&a

How long does it take until the muscles loosen up after having tissue expanders?

gdramomApr 25, 2015

My surgeon placed 140 cc's in each tissue expander. Itbis extremely tight. How long does it take until the muscles start to loosen up? The surgery was 10 days ago. Thanks, Cindy

Answers (2)

From board-certified doctors and trusted medical professionals
Dr. Paul J. Leahy, MD
PM
Dr. Paul J. Leahy, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answered on May 4, 2015
Answer
Dr. Steven Wallach, MD
SM
Dr. Steven Wallach, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answered on Apr 26, 2015
Answer

More Breast Reconstruction Questions

Is there any need to remove pectoral muscle during prophylactic mastectomy?

Top Answer
User Avatar
LM
Lewis Albert Andres, MD

Muscle is typically not removed during the mastectomy portion of the procedure.  However, findings during the procedure may have required this to be done.  Given that you underwent DTI breast reconstruction, it is likely that your previous surgeon had disinserted the muscle to allow...

+4 answers

Continued pain with tissue expanders. What should I do?

Top Answer
User Avatar
DF
Dean Trotter, MBBS, FRACS

It is not uncommon for tissue expanders to be painful.  I think in the short term if you are very uncomfortable and not coping with regular painkillers then you may have to see your PS to have some fluid removed from the device.In the longer term, you may have to expand slowly with small...

+2 answers

I had a bilateral mastectomy with DIEP flap reconstruction 20 days ago that lasted 15 hours. My feet have been numb and tingling

Top Answer
User Avatar
MM
Michael S. Beckenstein, MD

The fact that there is some improvement means that recovery is likely. However, you should be a neurologist just be check in an make sure nothing else is happening to cause this. There are medications that can help alleviate your symptoms and help you sleep.

+3 answers

My tissue expanders are going to be filled to 350cc. What does that convert into as far as cup size with implants?

Top Answer
User Avatar
AF
Asif Pirani, MD, FRCS(C)

There is no way to guarantee a particular bra size. Bra sizing varies greatly between bra manufacturers and a C in one bra will be a D in another. What matters more than the assigned bra size is the way the implant looks on you. The best option for your body and aesthetic goals can be determined...

+4 answers

Expander size is too small, what are my options?

Top Answer
User Avatar
MM
M. Scott Haydon, MD

Thanks for your question. I can appreciate the frustration. Unfortunately trying to reconstruct someone who already has implants is more difficult because they begin at a "supranormal" position. The expander width is decided based upon the base diameter of your chest. If the expander is too wide...

+6 answers
See all Breast Reconstruction Q&A
See more Breast Reconstruction Q&As
See all Q&As
SEE BREAST RECONSTRUCTION GUIDE →