Tissue expander exchange. Can the implants be brought in towards the center on my chest? (Photo)

Question

Hi. My expanders are very wideset which i assume impacts the little projection. Im worried about a few things but trust my PS that they will be able to correct when the expanders are switched for implants. They are 400cc expanders with 500cc filled. Was hoping to be a lot larger. Can the implants be brought in towards the center on my chest during the exchange surgery? And my second concern is the new pocket is much higher on the second side- can that also be adjusted?

Ram Kalus, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. The good news about a two stage breast reconstruction is that there is a second opportunity to make corrections when the expanders are exchanged for the final implant. Your plastic surgeon can further expand your expander if necessary, but it probably is not required. 
At your second stage your plastic surgeon will need to perform a “capsulotomy” on both sides near the midline (toward the sternum) and may have to perform a “capsulorrhaphy” on the outer aspect which narrow the width such that your implants do not move laterally toward your arm out or arm. This is also the opportunity to address all aspects of asymmetry including the lower pole and inframammary fold.

A high profile implant will have a greater tendency to creat an “augmented” (less natural) look. A moderate plus or moderate high will look more natural.

My recommendation is to use clinical photos of women’s breasts which you would like to emulate and share those with your plastic surgeon, who will use your feedback (and photos) to make your final implant selection. 
Best of luck to you.

Ryan Rebowe, MD · Answer

Many of your concerns are likely to be corrected with the expander to implant exchange. It is common to perform a pocket revision or other work during this step in the process that will make your breasts look and feel more natural. I would make sure to bring a list of your concerns to the preoperative visit to make sure your surgeon is aware of them and can address them surgically as necessary.

Tissue expander exchange. Can the implants be brought in towards the center on my chest? (Photo)

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reconstruction

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Tissue expander exchange. Can the implants be brought in towards the center on my chest? (Photo)

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reconstruction

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