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Can an Expander Flip on Its Own and if So How?

TriceeJul 26, 2012

I recently had to have my expander replaced. My 1st surgeon who put the expander in relocated and I had to find another doctor to complete my breast reconstruction surgery. Upon finding a new surgeon she informed me that my expander had to be replaced due to it being inserted backwards or it had somehow flipped over. Upon changing the expander my surgeon informed me that the old expander was full of needle holes due to the 1st surgeon doing injections anywhere in the expander. Is this common?

Answers (4)

From board-certified doctors and trusted medical professionals
Dr. Paul Gill, MD
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Dr. Paul Gill, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answered on Aug 12, 2012
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1 person found this helpful
Dr. Robert Whitfield, MD
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Dr. Robert Whitfield, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answered on Jul 30, 2012
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1 person found this helpful
Dr. C. Bob Basu, MD, MPH, FACS
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Dr. C. Bob Basu, MD, MPH, FACS
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answered on Jul 29, 2012
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Dr. Michael Novia, MD (retired)
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Dr. Michael Novia, MD (retired)
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answered on Jul 27, 2012
Answer
1 person found this helpful

More Breast Reconstruction Questions

I Am 50y Swimmer Golfer and Need to Do Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy. What is the Best Option for my Life Style?

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Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS

Because of your active lifestyle, I would recommend use of a tissue expander if needed as a first stage followed by a breast implant or if your breasts are very small consider fat transfer. This would be favored instead of using a flap which could cause limitation of some of your activities.

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