Can breast expanders get infected?
A small percentage of patients develop an infection around the expander. While this may occur at any time, it’s most often seen within a few weeks after the expander is inserted. In some cases, the expander may need to be removed for several months until the infection clears. A new expander can then be inserted.
Is AlloDerm a tissue expander?
AlloDerm (LifeCell, Branchburg, NJ) is gaining acceptance in tissue expander/implant (TE/I) breast reconstruction. Anecdotal evidence suggests its use limits postoperative musculoskeletal morbidity and allows injection of greater initial fill-volumes and rapid postoperative expansion.
How long can a breast tissue expander stay in?
A tissue expander is an empty breast implant that your surgeon will fill with normal saline over about 6 to 8 weeks until it reaches the breast size that you and your surgeon decided on.
Why are breast tissue expanders so uncomfortable?
The tissue expansion process is done after mastectomies to increase the submuscular space in preparation for the placement of permanent breast implant. The process is often believed to be painful by patients who are often intimidated by the prospect of mechanically stretching out their skin and muscle.
What can go wrong with tissue expanders?
What are the complications of an expander-implant breast reconstruction?
- Pain.
- Implant rupture or deflation.
- Skin sloughing.
- Infection.
- Asymmetrical breasts.
- Numbness.
- Bleeding.
- Scarring.
Can you sleep on your side with breast expanders?
After two weeks, you can continue sleeping on your back or begin sleeping on your side. Some women find that cradling a pillow makes side-sleeping more comfortable. Avoid sleeping on your stomach during the first four weeks.
Do tissue expanders move around?
Although rare, there are warnings that the saline valve could leak, the tissue expander may move or slip in the chest, or that scar tissue can impact the expander.
Is AlloDerm human tissue?
AlloDerm tissue can replace some of the breast tissue removed during surgery and provide support for implants. Because it is produced from natural human tissue, it is not only well tolerated, but actually grows into the patient’s tissue for a strong, natural repair.
Are implants more comfortable than expanders?
After the permanent implant has been placed you will immediately feel more comfortable than when the expander was in place. The tightness will decrease quickly as the implant settles into the pocket.
Do I have to wear a bra with tissue expanders?
After 14 days you may remove the Surgical Bra and wear a “sports” type bra that will provide support and maintain the placement of the tissue expander. Please do not wear an underwire bra. Please wear a “sports” bra for 24 hours a day for 21 days. You may remove the bra to shower.
When to use flexhd or allomax breast implants?
The FDA’s analysis of the MROC Study data showed significantly higher major complication rates of explantation, reoperation, and infections in patients with FlexHD and AlloMax brands of ADM two years after surgery, when compared to patients who received SurgiMend or AlloDerm brands, or no ADM.
Can you feel a tissue expander after breast reconstruction?
You may be able to feel the port that’s used to fill the tissue expander under your skin. You will have some discomfort after your surgery. You may have a stinging sensation along your incision and your drain site (s) may itch. You may also notice some tenderness along your lower ribcage. These sensations will gradually get better.
Is it safe to use ADM for breast reconstruction?
Be aware that although ADM is used for other types of reconstruction, the FDA has not cleared or approved ADM for use in breast reconstruction. If you have had breast reconstruction with ADM and experienced a problem, the FDA encourages you to file a report through MedWatch, the FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting program.
What happens to your arm after breast reconstruction?
Other common sensations you may experience after your surgery include: Numbness under your arm and over your chest on the affected side (side of your surgery). Warmth in your arm on the affected side. A feeling of water trickling down your arm on the affected side.
