tissue expansion

Options
rebilla
rebilla Member Posts: 24
edited June 2014 in Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy

hi, i have just decided to have a double mastecomy and bi-lateral reconstruction after lenghty talks with my surgeon.i have decided to go with "tissue expansion" as this seems the less complicated choice.the problem i have is which method to go for. 1) have the expander fitted when i have the mastectomy and filled with saline every couple of weeks, then when the skin is stretched fully,drain the saline and have another op to insert the silicone gel implant OR 2) have a permanent expander fitted, filled with saline as above and when it is the desired size etc.remove any excess fluid along with the port, and the expander remains in place, so saving another op. so nearly the same procedure, except 1) means an operation, but i would end up with a gel implant OR 2) no op but a saline implant. without pictures or seeing the end result it is hard to make this decision.can anyone advise me out there please.

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • Debbi5108
    Debbi5108 Member Posts: 182
    edited April 2009

    I can't tell you which way to go however that being said I can tell you that I had Bi-Lat masectomy 2/24 with Tissue expanders put in immediately ( same time) and other than a little bit of discomfort it was really no big deal I have been having fills every week to get to my desired size as I needed to do radiation due to them finding node involvement and thats why the fill process went so quickly.  I will tell you There was NEVER no pain that was unbearable and the tissue expanders are a little uncomfortable so I can't imagine having them the rest of my life and can't wait for my exchange surgery to get the gel implants.  I doubt I have helped but if you have any ?'s about your choice #1 I can help you , Hope you have a great day and get many replies to better help you with your decision.

    Hugs,

    Deb

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Erica3681
    Erica3681 Member Posts: 1,916
    edited April 2009

    rebilla,

    If you post this question on the Breast Reconstruction forum I think you'll get many more replies. This forum is primarily for women who choose NOT to have any reconstruction and are using external breast forms or have chosen to go flat.

    Good luck with your decision. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • rebilla
    rebilla Member Posts: 24
    edited April 2009

    hi thanks debbi for your response.i hope you are feeling well now and it's good to know that you haven't been in lots of pain.

    erica, thanks for advice, i'llre post on the correct forum.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories