What Breast Reconstruction Patients Can Expect During Tissue Expansion
If you have undergone,
or plan to undergo, a mastectomy, your plastic surgeon, Dr. Sheryl Pilcher,
will begin your breast reconstruction with tissue expansion. She will start the
process during your mastectomy or can begin after a wait period of several
weeks, if your oncologist recommends additional treatment. Before she can
rebuild your breast, she must first insert a tissue expander under your breast
muscle to make room for your final reconstruction.
What Is Tissue Expansion?
Tissue expansion is a technique used by a wide variety of
plastic surgeons. For breast reconstruction, it begins with the surgical
placement of a tissue expander, which your plastic surgeon will manually fill
over time. The slow expansion of the device stretches your skin, but it is not
simply a stretching mechanism. This also signals your body to develop
additional skin tissue to accommodate the growth within your body. Expansion
provides the extra skin needed to reconstruct breasts, either with implants or
tissue from your own body, after a mastectomy.
The Procedure
Either during or after your mastectomy, Dr. Pilcher will
surgically insert a silicone balloon beneath your skin and breast muscle. The expander
is built with a port through which Dr. Pilcher can place saline solution to
fill the expander. The expander also includes a catheter and drainage tubes.
Your plastic surgeon will use the catheter to administer local anesthetic,
while the drainage tubes remove excess fluids. You may feel some pressure
during the saline injection, but your surgeon will closely monitor your
sensations to ensure minimal discomfort. You will need recovery time after the
procedure, such as avoiding heavy lifting for approximately six weeks. However,
you will not require recovery time after your weekly fill appointments. While
you may return to your daily activities, if discomfort occurs, you may treat it
with ibuprofen. Your expansion process will last up to six months, or until
your surgeon determines you are ready for the next step in reconstruction.
What Types of Sensations Can I Expect?
Every patient responds differently to tissue expansion, so
there is no one set of potential sensations or treatment period. Following stretching
exercises provided to you by Dr. Pilcher will help improve your comfort. However,
consider the following common effects of tissue expansion, so you feel informed
and know that your sensation is normal:
·
You may experience discomfort within the first
few days after your saline expansion
·
Your chest may feel tight – this sensation
typically goes away with time
·
Shoulders may feel stiff
·
You may experience mild pain in your back
·
Skin may become dry – apply a gentle
moisturizer, avoiding your incision
However, if you experience any addition swelling, bruising,
redness, fever, or unyielding pain, contact your plastic surgeon immediately.
About Sheryl Pilcher, M.D.
Dr. Sheryl Pilcher,
your board-certified, female plastic surgeon, has practiced plastic surgery in
San Antonio for over 15 years. An honors graduate of Temple University, Dr.
Pilcher trained in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery under internationally
renowned teachers at the University of Virginia, and focuses her services on
breast surgery, body contouring, and facial rejuvenation techniques.
Website: http://www.accentplasticsurgery.com/
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