Are my tissue expanders too small to achieve desired breast size? (photos)

Question

I had bilateral prophylactic mastectomy and immediate tissue expanders placed 6/29/15. The surgeon only places 250 cc expanders and he has already filled them 150cc. I am 5'5" and 120 lbs. I was a small B before surgery and wanted to be a small C or full B. Will we be able to achieve this with 250 expanders? I am very healthy and active person and only spent one night at the hospital.

Tracey H. Stokes, MD · Answer

The good news is that tissue expanders are meant to be temporary devices and can be overfilled to achieve the desired volume.  Your breast skin looks good for immediately postop.  Make sure your plastic surgeon understands your goals.  You deserve to look and feel your very best

David Finkle, MD · Answer

Tissue expanders can be filled to any amount, they are just temporary skin stretchers.  The size of the expander is chosen to fit the anatomy of the patient, the actual amount of fluid that can be placed in the expander is not limited by that size.  Your 250 cc expanders can be filled all the way up to 1,000 cc  if you want!

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

You are early in the process and before expanding more and potentially overfilling them, your incisions have to heal more.

Joseph Franklin, MD · Answer

In the photo, you appear to have healthy breast skin which hasn't been traumatized by the recent prophylactic mastectomy.   Fortunately, tissue expanders can be overfilled.   Have an honest discussion with your plastic surgeon.   Yes, I think that you can receive the results that you desire.   Best of luck on your continued recovery.

Samir Shureih, MD · Answer

Since there is no lack of skin. Had nipple sparing mastectomy.Overfill the expander up to the size desired then replace with implant

Are my tissue expanders too small to achieve desired breast size? (photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: Tissue expanders

Answer: Tissue expanders

Answer: Breast reconstruction

Answer: Breast reconstruction

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.

Are my tissue expanders too small to achieve desired breast size? (photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: Tissue expanders

Answer: Tissue expanders

Answer: Breast reconstruction

Answer: Breast reconstruction

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.