Do Breast Expanders Look Natural?

Implants can be placed with a remote valve that allows for postoperative adjustment of size, and they can be very useful for tuberous breasts. Another alternative is to place a tissue expander that is designed to be replaced with a permanent implant, which is how most breast reconstruction is done after mastectomy. In your situation, it should be possible to use a device that allows for postoperative adjustment, with later removal of the valve as a minor procedure under local anesthesia. With a tuberous breast, it is often desirable to overfill the implant for a period, and then remove some fluid. This can give the breast a nice natural shape, and “dropping” of the implant should not be a problem.

   The implant that is placed when the tissue expander is removed will look more natural.  The tissue expander, due to the intervals of filling, will be evolving in shape throughout the expansion process.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Thanks very much for your question.  They can look fairly natural but permanent implants will almost always look more natural.  You can always keep the expanders in for a longer period of time until you feel ready for the final placement of the permanent implants.  Expanders also usually feel significantly firmer compared to the feel of the final implants.  In your specific case you will have the advantage of being able to adjust the expander and hopefully this will give you a reasonable shape that will satisfy both you and your surgeon.   Hope this answers you question.