EXPANDER IMPLANT BREAST RECONSTRUCTION

Overview and Facts

Expander implant breast reconstruction is performed during mastectomy and the placement of the permanent implant. Hence, there has been a rise in women undergoing mastectomy to prevent cancer cells from spreading. Along with mastectomy, there is also a rise in the number of patients considering breast reconstruction after the surgery. 

Women can benefit from breast reconstruction as it can potentially improve body image, self-esteem, and well-being. However, such surgery involves a tedious decision-making process for the patient. 

This article will dig deep into the said procedure and what you should watch out for before considering having the surgery. 

What Is Breast Reconstruction Expanders?

Often familiar to women with breast cancer, breast reconstruction involves restoring the breast’s shape after a mastectomy. Hence, one of the common types of breast reconstruction is implants’ use to reshape the breast. 

Breast reconstruction with the use of implants can be a tricky procedure performed by a qualified plastic surgeon. 

First introduced in the 1960s, breast reconstruction using synthetic implants as silicon has always been all about single-stage placement of the permanent implant administered during the mastectomy. As time goes by, it has evolved into a multi-stage process involving expander placement with tissue expansion. 

Doctors commonly use tissue expansion for ideal candidates undergoing mastectomy because of the procedure’s nature. These expanders can also be placed after the initial resection as a delayed repair.

Types and Symptoms

TYPES

Contractures are graded based on the Baker scale. 

  • Baker Grade I is normal. At this point, the soft breast that appears to be in natural shape and size. 
  • Baker II is a slightly firm feeling implant with a normal appearance. 
  • Baker III is where the breast’s firmness is felt due to the contracture and appears abnormal. 
  • In Baker IV, the breast is hard, distorted, and painful. 

Doctors should consider surgical intervention for grades III and IV.

Diagnosis & Medications

TREATMENT

The placement of the inferior mammary fold (IMF) is significant to the reconstructive surgeon.

To give you the idea, the IMF is where the breast and the chest meet. Surgeons consider the IMF a reliable landmark on how far should the envelope be extended into which the expander will be placed. It doesn’t only help define the vertical height and the position of the reconstructed breast but also for cleavage definition. 

  • Improper placement will lead to vertical breast dystopia. 
  • Complications associated with tissue expanders and implants
  • Bleeding and infection

Reports say that there is over 1 to 2 percent of incidents involving bleeding and infection. Hence, care must be taken to achieve for the body to maintain in a stable state. A careful evaluation of hematomas is necessary to avoid the risk of loss of the overlying skin and soft-tissues envelope which includes: 

  • Capsular contractures refer to the fibrotic scar that forms around the implant. It causes the tightening of the implant and may change its location. With this, the breast may feel abnormally firm and can cause pain. 

Tips Before Considering Breast Reconstruction Expander Implants

Patients should do further research and educate themselves on all appropriate reconstructive options available. Study the risks and benefits of the procedure. 

Patients may also consider attending survivorship group therapies before their procedure. Group discussions will help patients gain insights on what to expect in the surgery through the patient’s experiences with various techniques. 

The wide variety of options for breast reconstruction surgery will help patients regain a sense of normalcy after the mastectomy. Hence, both tissue expanders and breast implants will play a significant role in breast reconstruction; however, these implants must be used carefully for selected patients. 

Visit the nearest doctor for an initial consultation if you are considering having a breast reconstruction expander implant.

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