Is it safe to leave a deflated tissue expander in your breast until reconstruction?

Question

Last October 2013, I was diagnosed with right breast stage 3c breast cancer. My treatment plan was surgery w/ a double mastectomy, chemo, and then radiation. In order to proceed with radiation, my left expander was deflated to aim the radiation to my right breast appropriately. I completed radiation the end of July and started getting saline fills in Aug. to inflate my breast. Unfortunately, the expander ruptured or pierced. Is it a good idea to leave my expander deflated until next year?

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

There is no medical issue with a deflated tissue expander.  Aside from feeling the port that may annoy you, there is no downside to having a deflated tissue expander.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

I think that it's okay to leave your expander and until it gives you problems. I don't know what your ultimate plan is for the size that has been irradiated. But you're definitely. going to need a latissimus flap and a new expander to rebuild that breast.

Adam Tattelbaum, MD · Answer

As long as there's no infection is perfectly safe to leave a deflated implant or a deflated tissue expander in the breast.  It can be removed if any time.Sometimes I intentionally deflate saline implants for patients without surgically removing the implant.  It allows patients to see what their volume will be without implants and avoids the need for surgery until they've made a final decision.Best

Rafi S. Bidros, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Yes, it is safe to leave the deflated tissue expander in, as long as there's no current infection. Best Regards, Dr. Bidros

Tracy L. Cordray, MD · Answer

Yes, it is safe to leave the deflated tissue expander until your next surgery.  However, why would you not want it replaced?  Keeping the skin envelope expanded is crucial to an aesthetically-pleasing reconstruction.  Also, on the right (radiated) side, I would strongly recommend an autologous tissue reconstruction.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

such as implants and expanders is considered safe... there is always a risk of infection but its really minimal.  If your shell should ever produce a point to it, you need to see your surgeon.

Mark D. Wigod, MD · Answer

As long as there is no evidence of infection, it is acceptable to leave a deflated device in place.  In the setting of radiation, adding you own tissue (abdomen without expander) or latissimus (with expander and later implant exchange) gives the best result in my practice.

Is it safe to leave a deflated tissue expander in your breast until reconstruction?

Answers (7)

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