Can you get a skin rash from a tissue extender?

Question

My tissue extender on my left breast has been in for 4 months and is ready to be removed and replaced with my implant. I developed a slight skin rash between my breasts and a little on my right breast which is my own My plastic surgeon will not operate until the rash is gone. I'm on my 3rd cream (with steroids) and nothing is helping the rash. Should I proceed with my operation and hope the rash goes away once the extender is removed and replaced with the implant?

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

I agree with your plastic surgeon that you should wait until your rash is gone. As the rash could potentially interfere with healing.

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Hello!  Thank you for your question. It is highly unlikely that this "rash" is a result from the tissue expanders. These are not known to cause any reaction or allergy.  While this rash could be a reaction from topical, medication, viral, fungal, bacterial, etc. causes, it is important to determine this prior to your second stage reconstructive procedure. It would be wise to await resolution of this to minimize the chance of postoperative infection and would be in your best interest for your safety. Follow up closely with your surgeon and further consideration for consultation with a dermatologist, allergist, or infectious disease specialist may be warranted. Hope that this helps. Best wishes!

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Although it is possible to have a rash from your surgery, it is
important to distinguish the cause. For example, is it a topical sensitivity or
allergic response to ointments or other topical agents you are using vs. an
infection or other causes. Your plastic surgeon can help sort this out for you.

Richard J. Brown, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Your surgeon is smart to wait until the rash resolves. I would also recommend my patient wait as well. It is not likely from the expander itself. Hard for me to know without seeing you but it the creams don't help you may want to see a dermatologist for a different point of view. Your surgeon seems to be doing the right thing here. Don't rush this. I know you hate the expanders but wait until things heal so you decrease the risk of an implant infection.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

It is best to wait until the rash has resolved before exchanging your expander for a permanent implant.  The rash could be an irritation which will interfere with healing, or an allergic reaction, or possibly an infection. Raw, irritated skin does not heal well, and could lead to poor wound healing, or even an infection that would require removing the implant.  It is best to wait. You may need to see a dermatologist and have a biopsy if the rash does not go away.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I agree with your plastic surgeon at the rash must be gone before your surgery can be done.  Most often bacteria are present in the lesions of the skin rash and could cause infection at the time of your secondary surgery.  You must not allow this to happen.  Please follow your plastic surgeons advice.

Can you get a skin rash from a tissue extender?

Answers (6)

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