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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.
March 12
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A MyBCTeam Member

Hi Kathleen, I too felt tightness, I did stretching to help. Once any surgical site have healed use lots of cocoa butter lotion to help with you skin tightness. I feel like the more my expander was filled the tightness went away. It is uncomfortable but not painful. Once you can get the surgery for permanent it will feel better, hugs to you ๐Ÿ’•

March 12
MyBCTeam

Is tightness around tissue expanders and back normal?

Yes, feeling tightness around your expanders and back is a normal part of the expansion process. The tissue expander gradually stretches your skin and breast tissue, which creates pressure on surrounding tissues and can cause different sensations including tightness.

Show Full Answer

Is tightness around tissue expanders and back normal?

Yes, feeling tightness around your expanders and back is a normal part of the expansion process. The tissue expander gradually stretches your skin and breast tissue, which creates pressure on surrounding tissues and can cause different sensations including tightness.

It's great that you're doing stretching exercises and finding relief! This is a helpful approach to managing the discomfort during this transitional time.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

- Tightness and discomfort are common during the expansion process
- These sensations typically improve after the permanent implant is placed
- If tightness is significantly affecting your quality of life, talk to your doctor about pain management options or slowing the pace of fills
- You can ask your doctor to increase fills more gradually (like 50 cc at a time) to minimize discomfort

However, contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe pain, fever, chills, breast skin discoloration, or discharge from the incision site, as these could indicate infection or other complications.

Continue with your stretching exercises if they're helping, and keep your healthcare team updated on how you're feeling at your regular appointments.

March 12

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