What can go wrong with tissue expanders?
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What can go wrong with tissue expanders?
The most common cause of tissue expander explantation was infection [85 women (52 percent)], followed by mastectomy flap necrosis, implant exposure or wound dehiscence, implant leak, deflation or rupture, seroma, pain, hematoma, and capsular contracture (Table 2).
How long does pain last after mastectomy with tissue expanders?
If an expander was placed, salt water (saline) or air was added to it to start stretching your skin. Right after the surgery, you will probably feel weak, and you may feel pain for 2 to 3 weeks. You may have a pulling or stretching feeling in your breast area.
How long can a breast tissue expander stay in?
But keeping the fluid filled expander means that you don’t need to have a second operation. If you are having the expander left in, your surgeon inflates it until it is slightly larger than your natural size. They leave it for 2 to 3 months.
How do you make tissue expanders more comfortable?
One way that we make tissue expanders more comfortable is by using a product called AlloDerm® Tissue Matrix. AlloDerm acts like a hammock beneath the expander. This innovative, body-safe product covers the lower portion of the expander to help speed up the healing process.
Why do expanders hurt so much?
Tissue expanders are temporary, expandable, balloon-like devices used after a mastectomy to stretch breast skin and chest wall muscles. This is done in advance of breast implants so that the chest wall and skin can accommodate them. Because of the stretching involved, tissue expanders can be painful or uncomfortable.
How uncomfortable are tissue expanders?
Are Tissue Expanders Uncomfortable? Some discomfort is natural during the process of placing and filling tissue expanders. However, at The Breast Center Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery we do everything that we can to make this process easier for you.
What to expect when getting breast expanders?
You’ll likely need to have a drainage tube removed at some point post-implant operation as well. After your breast reconstruction, it may take up to eight weeks for bruising and swelling to subside. It may take up to two years for scars to fade and the tissues to fully heal.
How do you sleep with tissue expanders?
The Best Sleeping Positions if You Have Tissue Expanders During the first two weeks after your expander placement, you should sleep on your back. We recommend that women who want to sleep in bed place pillows under their head and knees to support their body.
How do breast expanders sleep comfortably?
How do you make expanders hurt less?
However, if you feel any minor initial sensitivity a few hours after an expander is placed, Ibuprofen (Advil® or Motrin®) in regular doses can alleviate the discomfort. It is exceptionally crucial to clean your expander, using the hygiene kit and instructions provided.
