Breathing Problems w/Expanders?

Hmmm.... I can't comment for myself because I'm one the lucky ones who actually found a sub-pectoral expander to be totally comfortable the entire time I had it in (about 6 months).

Having been around here a long time, I know some women find their expanders to be extremely tight and restricting, particularly early on, but I can't say I ever recall someone developing a breathing problem after having the expander in for so long. But then it's pretty unusual to have an expander in for 10+ months. Does the expander hurt or feel tight against your chest? If not, I doubt it's the cause of your breathing problems.

Since the sub-pectoral expander is stretching both your muscle and skin, why would you need to start over if you switched to over-the-muscle/pre-pectoral? And given that you are fully expanded, why is the new PS suggesting pre-pectoral rather than finishing off what was started? Pre-pectoral is a newer technique but lots of women are very happy with sub-pectoral implants and it's still often done today. The exchange surgery is usually quick and easy. Seems odd that after you've had the expander for 10+ months that she's recommending a change to the plan.

What do you want to do? The PS works for you and it's your body, so you get to call the shots on this one.

I too feel the breathing issue is not from the expanders. The cardiologist seems a good place to start, especially with a surgery in your future.

As far as prepectoral vs subpec, I have had them both. I started with subpec and found them unacceptable in appearance and over time they became displaced laterally as I began exercising and building my pectoral muscles. The animation deformity was distracting as well

My new PS suggested a switch to prepectoral along with some fat grafting. I like these a lot better. She simply made the switch as the skin was expanded from the previous implants. I see no reason why you would need to be expanded again.

As for drains, I had them with the initial exchange and again when I had them revised. It’s just good practice to prevent seroma, which can be an infection source. They are a nuisance, but short-lived.

Since you seem kind of in limbo with your decision, maybe you should visit another PS or two. I regret doing that before my first exchange. It would have saved me some surgery and a lot of frustration.

Good luck!

I had drains 3 times. At mastectomy, expanders to implants and at revision. Drains are a nuisance, but for me, it certainly wouldn’t be the deciding factor for implant placement that will last decades. The prepectoral ladies here, especially those that switched from sub pecs, have a high level of satisfaction. I don’t know of any who have wanted to go back to sub.