Tissue expanders are very far apart. Can a compression bra help bring them together? (Photo)

Question

I am 1 month post op from my nipple sparring double mastectomy and immediate reconstruction with expanders. They were filled to 200cc at surgery and then an additional 45cc at the first fill. I just had my first fill yesterday and I am very concerned that the expander are really far apart. They feel even further apart after the first fill. Would wearing a tight compression bra help to bring the expanders together? Can this be fixed during the exchange surgery?

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Follow your surgeon's instructions. Your surgeon can adjust the pocket when he goes back to place the permanent implants.  I wouldn't worry too  much at this point.

Chris Porter, MD · Answer

You are still early on in the expansion phase, you will get more breast shape once you are fully expanded. At the next operation when you have your permanent breast implants inserted your surgeon can manipulate the implant pockets to improve your breast shape, including the cleavage distance.

Ben Gbulie, MD, FACS · Answer

HiThanks for your question and sharing your photos.The expanders likely will not move much even with wearing a bra. Regardless once you are fully expanded pocket modifications may be made at the second stage.I hope this helps....

John Dean, MD · Answer

Your expanders, typically look far apart at first. As you are filled, this may improve. At the time of your secondary procedure to place your permanent implant, the position of the breast mound can be improved.

Jules Walters, MD · Answer

The first stage of reconstruction is mainly to recreate the breast footprint and to save the skin.  During your second stage, pocket modifications can be performed as well as fat grafting to help decrease the gap.  Best wishes.

Rafael Gottenger, MD · Answer

Good morning and thank you for your question. I usually explain to my patients that this could happen while patients have the tissue expanders and can be improved during the second stage surgery (exchange of tissue expander for permanent implants). A compression bra is not indicated, in fact, I prefer if my patient does not use any tight bra after mastectomy as we dont want to compromise the tissue by putting too much pressure on the skin.

Joseph Franklin, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.   Tissue expanders are notorious for becoming laterally displaced.   Tight compression will not cause them to migrate medially (or toward the center of your chest).   After the expansion is complete, your plastic surgeon can adjust the implant pocket when the expanders are exchanged for more permanent implants.

Tissue expanders are very far apart. Can a compression bra help bring them together? (Photo)

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Can this really reattach? I understand this is necrotic from talking to my doctor. (Photo)

8 months ago, I underwent bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders placed. I am now ready to swap out for the implants (Photo)

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