Tissue Expansion
A tissue expander is a balloon-like device that is placed beneath the skin and muscle of the chest wall at the time of or after a mastectomy has been performed. It is partially inflated at the time of placement, then starting two weeks later serial expansions are performed until the desired volume is achieved. These expansion are performed in the office with minimal discomfort. The expander is a temporary device designed to increase the amount of skin and muscle for eventual placement of a permanent breast implant. This maturation period is usually 3 to 6 months. Permanent implants can be either silicone gell or saline solution filled. The silicone gell implants have a more natural appearance but gell rupture may require an ultrasound or MRI to detect. Saline implants tend to show more ripples and contour irregularities because of their fluid nature but when ruptured are easily detected because they deflate. Tissue expansion is an excellent option for many women. Please contact us for a complete discussion of the risks and benefits of breast reconstruction. For more information on breast reconstruction please visit our ASPS web site.