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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.

Why Do So Many Women Choose Expanders For Their Reconstruction?

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
Lansdowne, PA

I never had a mastectomy but every day here I read about problems with Expanders. Severe infections, having to have them removed and redone. I know nothing about reconstruction, but I wanted to know why this method is used more than others and hoping women who had reconstruction done other ways will chime in with their experiences also.

April 25, 2024
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A MyBCTeam Member

Many women choose expanders for their breast reconstruction due to several reasons:

1. **Gradual Expansion**: Tissue expanders allow for a gradual stretching of the skin and tissues, which is necessary when there isn't enough skin left after mastectomy to accommodate a breast implant immediately.

2. **Flexibility in Show Full Answer

Many women choose expanders for their breast reconstruction due to several reasons:

1. **Gradual Expansion**: Tissue expanders allow for a gradual stretching of the skin and tissues, which is necessary when there isn't enough skin left after mastectomy to accommodate a breast implant immediately.

2. **Flexibility in Decision Making**: Using expanders provides time to decide on the final size and type of implant. This flexibility is crucial as it allows women to adjust to their new body image and make informed decisions about their desired breast size.

3. **Preparation for Final Implants**: Expanders prepare the body for the more permanent implants. They are typically placed during the mastectomy and gradually filled over several weeks, helping the breast tissue expand.

4. **Customizable Outcomes**: By adjusting the amount of saline in the expander over time, patients and surgeons can better control the final appearance of the breast reconstruction.

These factors contribute to why tissue expanders are a common and valuable step in the breast reconstruction process for many women.

April 25, 2024
A MyBCTeam Member

I went flat and stayed flat. I have products pushed at me quite often by very kind well meaning people but I’m very comfortable with my choice and I love not having to wear a bra 😂

May 6, 2024
A MyBCTeam Member

Hi Barbara, We don’t choose expanders, but if we want reconstruction and the surgery has taken so much skin, they have to place them and gradually fill them over the course of a month or 2 and wait until they aren’t tight anymore to stretch the skin to accommodate the implant or flap/fat graft.

April 26, 2024
A MyBCTeam Member

I know I would go flat if I had to make that choice. Going bra less for life would be the best. Boobs are nothing but trouble as we all found out. There would be no possible way that after such a surgery I would want to have anymore surgeries .

May 6, 2024
A MyBCTeam Member

@A MyBCTeam Member

Sending prayers for a very successful Thursday surgery.

Some on here have taken Claritin for pain from AI’s. A doctor recommended it.

You.can also try acupuncture, laser or ultrasound and have a lymphedema PT check you out as they can use the laser and ultrasound when you have recovered from the implants.

Get a referral now if you wish as you may wait two months for an appointment.

clear with your doctor to use collagen tablets which help with the AI pain.

April 29, 2024

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