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Are "Bubbles" In The Expander Normal?

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
Statesville, NC

I already had my second fill and I am at 260 ccs in my expander. I feel pretty good but I just noticed an area on the side of my breast that looks like a bubble is underneath my skin. It is about a half inch in diameter. When I gently press on it, it gives in easily and does not hurt. Should I worry or notify my PS? Also, how would I know if my expander is leaking?

December 9, 2014
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A MyBCTeam Member

I had a similar problem, and was naturally worried. I told my oncologist, and then she told my plastic surgeon. So the day of surgery, where he would take out my expanders and put in my implants, he marked the area, and then came to find out that the bag had simply shifted, and what I was feeling was where the different materials met. Whew!

December 10, 2014
A MyBCTeam Member

I just had my last fill this morning and asked about a "bubble" on one of my breasts (actually, I thought it was muscle refusing to stretch). My nurse brought in a tissue expander to show me what it could be: around the port, there's harder plastic holding it in place. Seeing the expanders in my hands, it made sense that it was this plastic showing under my skin. I'm not sure if that helps, but hope your appointment goes as smoothly!

December 10, 2014
A MyBCTeam Member

@A MyBCTeam Member Thanks for asking this question! I have a small "bubble" too but figured it was the expander because it does not "feel" like its part of me. I am seeing my PS on Monday so its on the list to ask. I have 300cc total each side, so about the same as you. I also saw the expander during my consultation, so I assume its just normal as well. Please let us know what your PS says regarding this issue :) ~ Danielle

December 10, 2014
A MyBCTeam Member

Let your surgeon know. But it's probably just shifting. My best to you.

December 16, 2014
A MyBCTeam Member

Well, I had my port for the chemo put in on Thursday so I used the opportunity to show the "bubble" to my general surgeon. She said it is just the expander where the fluid is not evenly distributed. She told me not to worry, so I won't.

December 14, 2014

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