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

Can a Tissue expander shrink over time?

tfsunshineJul 14, 2015
My tissue expanders have been full since the end of March 2015. They have been in for 3 1/2 months and I plan on having my implant replacement surgery the middle of September. Is it possible for the tissues around the expander to get soft and feel as the expander has shrunk? I don't feel as if it is leaking, but it does not feel as hard as it use to and looks a bit smaller to me?

Answers (2)

From board-certified doctors and trusted medical professionals
Stuart A. Linder, MD, FACS profile photo
Dr. Stuart A. Linder, MD, FACS
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
4.7 | 73 Reviews
Answered on Jul 15, 2015
Answer
Dr. Jonathan Zelken, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answered on Jul 14, 2015
Answer
1 person found this helpful

More Breast Reconstruction Questions

Top Answer
User Avatar
Curtis Wong, MD

Will produce a very small mound and even smaller if you have a wider band size.  If you're having an expander placed, you can see what your size will be at different fill volumes.  If you're having an immediate reconstruction with implant, most surgeons have sizers that you can use to...

+2 answers
Top Answer
User Avatar
Manish C. Champaneria, MD

Thank you for your question.I would recommend waiting until you are completely healed before going sky diving! Also consult with your surgeon.Regards,Manish Champaneria, MD

+2 answers
Top Answer
User Avatar
David Finkle, MD

If a breast implant has moved and the deformity is mild, I would wait and see if you could live with it.  If not, you may need another revision or consider choosing a round implant, when it moves, it looks the same.Good Luck!

+3 answers
See all Breast Reconstruction Q&A
See more Breast Reconstruction Q&As
See all Q&As
SEE BREAST RECONSTRUCTION GUIDE →