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Are you experiencing severe rib pain with your tissue expander?

Severe rib pain with tissue expanders can happen and shouldn't be ignored. This pain might be related to the expander itself causing discomfort in your chest wall, or it could signal a complication that needs attention.

If you're experiencing severe pain Show Full Answer

Are you experiencing severe rib pain with your tissue expander?

Severe rib pain with tissue expanders can happen and shouldn't be ignored. This pain might be related to the expander itself causing discomfort in your chest wall, or it could signal a complication that needs attention.

If you're experiencing severe pain along with any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately:

- Pain in your chest muscles, chest wall, or upper back
- Fever or chills
- Discharge or fluid from the incision site
- Breast skin discoloration
- Shortness of breath
- Severe itching

These could indicate an infection or other serious complication requiring prompt medical care.

For less severe discomfort, talk with your doctor about pain management options. They might suggest slowing down the fill process (going up by 50 cc or less at a time), over-the-counter pain medication, or cold compresses. One MyBCTeam member shared that their expanders became more comfortable when fills were done more gradually.

Don't wait until your next scheduled appointment if the pain is severe or affecting your quality of life significantly. Your care team can help determine what's causing the pain and find solutions to make you more comfortable.

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

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