What is an expander in breast reconstruction?

After your mastectomy (surgery to remove your breast), you’ll have a breast reconstruction surgery using a tissue expander. A tissue expander is an empty breast implant that your surgeon will fill with normal saline over about 6 to 8 weeks until it reaches the breast size that you and your surgeon decided on.

What is breast reconstruction surgery called?

A tissue flap procedure (also known as autologous tissue reconstruction) is one way to rebuild the shape of your breast after surgery to remove the cancer. As with any surgery, you should learn as much as possible about the benefits and risks, and discuss them with your doctor, before having the surgery.

What is the difference between tissue expanders and implants?

In some cases, an implant is placed during the same surgery that removes the breast. In other cases, a tissue expander is inserted right after the breast is removed. The expander is used to stretch the skin to make room for the implant. This stretching happens over a period of months.

What is direct to implant reconstruction?

This means that patients can bypass a preliminary surgery where temporary breast tissue expander implants are inflated over time to stretch the overlying skin and muscle. …

Do implants feel better than expanders?

After the permanent implant has been placed you will immediately feel more comfortable than when the expander was in place. The tightness will decrease quickly as the implant settles into the pocket.

Can you sleep on your side with breast expanders?

After two weeks, you can continue sleeping on your back or begin sleeping on your side. Some women find that cradling a pillow makes side-sleeping more comfortable. Avoid sleeping on your stomach during the first four weeks.

What is the most common breast reconstruction surgery?

The implant is the most common form of breast reconstruction, and it involves the use of either a silicone or a saline implant to rebuild the breast. At MSK, we most commonly use silicone because it’s softer and feels more like a natural breast. For the vast majority of our patients, implant surgery involves two steps.

Can you get breast reconstruction without implants?

Autologous breast reconstruction involves rebuilding the breast using only a patient’s own body parts. No artificial breast implants are involved.

How long do breast reconstruction implants last?

One can expect your implant to last approximately 10 to 15 years. Since a woman may not always feel or see when a rupture in her implants has occurred, magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs) may be needed every few years to monitor for any sign of trouble.

When to use a tissue expander for breast reconstruction?

Once you have recovered from your mastectomy and your incision has healed, around four weeks after the surgery, saline will gradually be injected into your tissue expander to stretch the surrounding tissues and create space for a permanent breast implant. 5  This will be done over a series of appointments and usually takes two to six months.

How are breast implants used in breast reconstruction?

Most breast reconstructions are done using permanent breast implants, but unlike breast augmentation, breast reconstruction is a multi-step process. A mastectomy for breast cancer removes all your breast tissue and affects your symmetry instantly.

Can a tissue expander be used as a permanent implant?

Your tissue expander should match the shape of the permanent breast implant that you are going to use. Both devices come in round, oval, and anatomical shapes, and can have smooth or textured surfaces. Tissue expanders are not intended to be permanent.

Who is the best surgeon for breast reconstruction?

Brian Levine, MD, MS, FACOG, is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology, as well as in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Women who choose to have their breast or breasts reconstructed after a mastectomy have several options, including breast implant surgery.