I went to my plastic surgeon 2 weeks ago and was told they could not start filling my breast expanders because the left one had flipped. I went back last week and the other one had also flipped. Now I am possibly facing additional surgery to return them both to correct orientation. They are going to check the orientation before my surgery...Thank God...and I might not need the additional surgery. I don't understand how these things can flip. They are so thin and there is no room in the breast.
September 24, 2018
Answer: Expanders flipping Dear randtdiamond,Sorry to hear that your expanders have flipped. I presume they have determined this based on how the magnetic port finder is behaving. Yes these devices can flip even though there does not seem to be much space for that to happen. With movement of the arm, changing positions in sleep the expanders are subjected to some stresses. Expanders now almost uniformly have suture tabs that can be used to secure the expander to the chest wall in the correct orientation. I used to use a short dissolving stitch to secure expanders but switched to a permanent suture after having a suture fail and a flipped device. Even despite using the suture tabs and appropriate suture material, the suture can fail and lead to a flipping of the expander. Sorry to hear you are having these difficulties but maintain your follow up with your surgeon.Thank you for your question.Andre Levesque M.D.
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September 24, 2018
Answer: Expanders flipping Dear randtdiamond,Sorry to hear that your expanders have flipped. I presume they have determined this based on how the magnetic port finder is behaving. Yes these devices can flip even though there does not seem to be much space for that to happen. With movement of the arm, changing positions in sleep the expanders are subjected to some stresses. Expanders now almost uniformly have suture tabs that can be used to secure the expander to the chest wall in the correct orientation. I used to use a short dissolving stitch to secure expanders but switched to a permanent suture after having a suture fail and a flipped device. Even despite using the suture tabs and appropriate suture material, the suture can fail and lead to a flipping of the expander. Sorry to hear you are having these difficulties but maintain your follow up with your surgeon.Thank you for your question.Andre Levesque M.D.
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September 26, 2018
Answer: Breast Tissue Expanders Dear Randtdiamond,Hello and thank you for your excellent question. Unfortunately, tissue expanders can rotate and/or flip. Even if we use the suture tabs on the sides and back of the implants, they can still flip. It does not happen frequently, but it can happen nonetheless. My best recommendation is to work with your current surgeon, unless this becomes a recurring issue. If you have any questions, call our office for assistance. Good luck!
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September 26, 2018
Answer: Breast Tissue Expanders Dear Randtdiamond,Hello and thank you for your excellent question. Unfortunately, tissue expanders can rotate and/or flip. Even if we use the suture tabs on the sides and back of the implants, they can still flip. It does not happen frequently, but it can happen nonetheless. My best recommendation is to work with your current surgeon, unless this becomes a recurring issue. If you have any questions, call our office for assistance. Good luck!
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