I had a breast expander that caused my rib cage to become concave. Suggestions?

Tissue expanders can cause some underlying cartilaginous skeletal changes resulting in a concavity. Your breast surgeon seems aware of the situation is advising you to compensate for the concavity with a larger implant. This may be a suitable option for you. Raffy Karamanoukian MD FACS

from your implant, putting a larger implant in will only aggravate the situation.  Do you have any tummy tissue that could be used to create that large of a mound?  If so, consider having autogenous reconstruction and  a more permanent solution.

Unfortunately, the process of expansion can cause skeletal changes of the rib cage.  In fact, even regular implants can cause skeletal changes over time.Your plastic surgeon will be able to choose implants that will cover this concavity and give you a beautiful result.

I perform a lot of breast reconstruction and I understand that sometimes the largest gel implant is too small. Before going to the saline implants I might suggest reducing the contralateral breast and sticking with the gel. Make sure that the imlant is high profile as well as the pocket nice and tight as a larger pocket can cause the implant to loose projection and therefore size. Make sure you surgeon is board certified and does a lot of reconstruction becasue it seems like bad advice to me.

You should see your plastic surgeon to discuss your physical examination and your plan for breast implants. Discuss your ribcage concavity along with the size and weight of your present implants and the larger saline (and heavier) saline implants. Make your own goals clear, and also discuss with your surgeon the benefits and risks of a change.

Thank you for the question but without photos and an examination it is difficult to make any intelligent recommendations. That said I would go on some inperson consults and get a some second opinions.

Dr. Corbin