Is it normal to have a ton of space between the tissue expanders? I have 2 huge side boobs, it looks so strange. (Photo)

Question

I had a double Masectomy. The PS used tissue expanders with alloderm. I was filled to 360 at the time of surgery. The more they fill the further under my armpits they go. Half of my boob hangs out of a tank top. Is this normal? I am at 540 CC's currently and can't tell how big they are because they look weird. I look almost flat chested from the front. My PS is telling me it won't look this way after the exchange. I am 5"2 165 and was an A cup before my surgery.

Christine Fisher, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and I certainly understand your concerns. Because breast reconstruction is performed in a staged process in many cases, it can be difficult to wait until the process is complete to see how your results will actually look. While I agree your breasts look far apart now, this concern can be corrected when the expanders are replaced with your implants. Make sure you are working with a board-certified plastic surgeon that has extensive experience in all types of breast reconstruction techniques and try to be patient until the process is completed. If you are still unhappy with your results, you can always revisit your surgeon or get a second opinion from another surgeon until you achieve the aesthetic results you want. Good luck to you.

Alex Senchenkov, MD, FACS · Answer

Alternatively, you may choose to undergo microvascular (free flap-DIEP or muscle-sparing free TRAM) reconstruction. This will eliminate many problem associated with implants and give you both natural-looking breast and a flat stomach. similar to the one after a "tummy tuck".

Rahul Vemula, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question as well as the photographs. It depends on the location of your expanders. If your expanders are underneath the muscle (subpectoral) sometimes there is a greater chance that there is a space between the expanders. There is less of a chance of this happening with expanders above the muncle (prepectoral).  There is usually a lot of work done during a the second stage to correct the position of the expanders so that the implants are sitting in a proper position.

Best wishes!

Is it normal to have a ton of space between the tissue expanders? I have 2 huge side boobs, it looks so strange. (Photo)

Answers (3)

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.

Is it normal to have a ton of space between the tissue expanders? I have 2 huge side boobs, it looks so strange. (Photo)

Answers (3)

Browse related questions

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.