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Real members of MyBCTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Has anyone had any results or reviews about Tissue expanders and implants after a mastectomy?

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
Duluth, GA
March 18, 2025
 · 
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A MyBCTeam Member

I had both with good results. I did develop some fat necrosis after having fat transfers from my own tissue. They did ultrasounds for 6 months to make sure there wasn't anything wrong but all was fine.

March 18, 2025
MyBCTeam

Many breast cancer survivors have shared positive experiences with tissue expanders and implants after mastectomy. While expanders can be uncomfortable during the expansion process, which typically takes 6-8 weeks, most people report feeling much better once they receive their permanent implants.

The expansion process Show Full Answer

Many breast cancer survivors have shared positive experiences with tissue expanders and implants after mastectomy. While expanders can be uncomfortable during the expansion process, which typically takes 6-8 weeks, most people report feeling much better once they receive their permanent implants.

The expansion process involves placing an empty implant that's gradually filled with air or water to stretch the breast tissue, preparing it for a permanent implant. This approach allows you to take time to research your options and make decisions without the added stress of immediate reconstruction. One MyBCTeam member shared that while the expander process wasn't enjoyable, it became a distant memory after getting permanent implants. Within two weeks of the exchange surgery, they were able to return to activities like using a treadmill, and after four weeks they regained full arm mobility.

When considering this option, it's important to discuss your goals with your plastic surgeon. While reconstructed breasts with implants look similar to natural breasts, they may feel different. Surgeons can offer various implant shapes and sizes, using either silicone gel or saline, to help achieve your desired outcome.

March 18, 2025
A MyBCTeam Member

Ok, thank you for your response. I will take all this in for consideration. My doctor did tell me that I may have to get radiation. If so, I will have to wait 6 months for the tissue expanders.

March 19, 2025
A MyBCTeam Member

My experience with tissue expanders is mixed. They were put in as part of bi-lateral mastectomy with lymph node dissection. Each had 300 ccs of saline put in to pump them up. Coolest part was waking up from surgery with cleavage!!
Unfortunately ended up with an infected tissue expander on the side with lymph node disection about five months after surgery. It's possible that was related to drain being in for eight weeks before it was removed. Thankfully, the other side has been fine since day 1.
On top of all that I also had a lymphoma leak on the side where the tissue expander was removed. Side benefit, it has filled the void left with tissue expander removal.
My surgeon insists on waiting six months after last radiation treatment. I understand and appreciate why he does this. I'm sooo ready for transfer in 4-6 weeks!!! I continue to take one day at a time. 😊

March 18, 2025

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