I have 400cc expanders. How far beyond the 400cc is it safe to fill?

Question

I had a bilateral mastectomy and have allergen 400cc expanders. I've been receiving expansions every two weeks. My skin is stretching ok. I wanted to know up to how many ccs can be filled into the 400cc expanders safely. I know one woman who had a rupture and I don't want to risk any problems. I read that it was ok to go up to twice the amount (800cc), but I don't know if that presents serious risk. Thank you.

Christine Fisher, MD, FACS · Answer

These factors underscore why it is critical to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in breast reconstruction techniques. Good luck to you as you go through the reconstruction process.

Al Cohn, MD · Answer

Answer:    Great question. You are correct tissue
expanders can be overfilled up to twice the amount.   The
tissue expander is made to be overfilled, however, over stretching the pocket may make the final implant be loose.  Consult with your plastic surgeon to
see what your options for larger implants could be for your final results.

Good luck with
your reconstruction process.

S. Tyler Elkins-Williams, MD · Answer

Overfilling an expander beyond its listed volume is fairly typical, though doubling the amount to 800 mL is likely too much. Continue to work with your reconstructive surgeon to determine how much volume you need prior to exchange to permanent implants.

Ali Sadeghi, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question. It’s generally considered safe to expand these tissue expanders to some extent over their stated fill volume. However it’s impossible to expand them to twice their volume. Other options are available if you’d like to have larger implants. Consult with your plastic surgeon.

Edward J. Domanskis, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

Actually, I have many patients that wish to go to XL sizes which is my specialty and they have over expanded to those sizes. There is always a risk that they could deflate but unusual. I do start with XL tissue expanders in these patients though.

I have 400cc expanders. How far beyond the 400cc is it safe to fill?

Answers (5)

Answer: Tissue expansion with allergan tissue expanders

Answer: Tissue expansion with allergan tissue expanders

Answer: How much can I overfill my Tissue expanders?

Answer: How much can I overfill my Tissue expanders?

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reconstruction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

I have 400cc expanders. How far beyond the 400cc is it safe to fill?

Answers (5)

Answer: Tissue expansion with allergan tissue expanders

Answer: Tissue expansion with allergan tissue expanders

Answer: How much can I overfill my Tissue expanders?

Answer: How much can I overfill my Tissue expanders?

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reconstruction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.