The tissue expander filled too fast. Why? (photos)

Question

I had a mastectomy, then an expander to stretch the skin & muscle for implant. The fills 100cc at time, the last was 120cc, very painful & then the area where a nipple would be turned red & then slowly started turning black, surgeon said it looked "angry" but it should be fine. Exchange surgery in Dec., now March, a large scab, from the area where the nipple would be, came off & now the implant is exposed. Had the implant removed and the larger than a quarter sized hole sewed together. Why?

Bryson G. Richards, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about your implant exposure. There are many reasons for implants to become exposed. It is unlikely that filling too quickly would be the culprit. It is generally due to poor wound healing, thin skin flaps as a result of the mastectomy, or fluid around the expander. Thank you for sharing your experience. I hope that by discussing this, and receiving advice, you can better feel comforted as your move forward to the next stage of your reconstruction. For now, I hope you heal well. Keep your nutrition optimized, and follow the instruction of your plastic surgeon.I hope this helps.- Dr. Bryson Richards

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Dealing with an exposed tissue expander can be complicated. Not knowing the full history it is difficult to comment. Best of luck.

The tissue expander filled too fast. Why? (photos)

Answers (2)

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