Can a Tissue expander shrink over time?

Question

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?

Stuart A. Linder, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, it is certainly possible for your tissue expander to deflate with time. See your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.

Jonathan Zelken, MD · Answer

It is possible for a tissue expander to shrink. Ultimately, your doctor needs to examine you to make sure the expander(s) is/are not leaking. *However, since the softening is symmetric, it is probably not a rupture. Expanders are filled with saline, so leakage is usually sudden and one-sided. More likely, the tissue expanders are simply doing their job; that is, expanding the surrounding tissue and making it feel softer. Making progress! I wish you the best in this journey.

Can a Tissue expander shrink over time?

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Can a Tissue expander shrink over time?

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