Francois J Duminy

PLASTIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGEON

BREAST RECONSTRUCTION BY TISSUE EXPANDER

This is the first stage of a breast many breast reconstructions. It involves placing a specially shaped balloon under the chest muscle Pectoralis major. This can be done at the time of Mastectomy (Immediate reconstruction) or at a later stage (delayed reconstruction).

The "balloon" is equipped with a special filler port through which it is slowly filled with saline via a direct injection through the tissues, causing it to expand.

This causes the overlying tissues to grow in order to catch up, much in the same way as a tummy grows when there is an expanding baby in the uterus. This growth takes approximately 3 months after full expansion of the Tissue Expander "balloon".

Once the growth has completed, the Tissue Expander can be replaced with a permanent prosthesis or with the patient's own tissues in the form of a tissue flap or by Micro Fat Grafting.

When the new breast has settled, it is sometimes necessary to make an adjustment to the other breast to obtain better symmetry.

When the breasts are symmetrical in shape and size, a new Nipple and Areola are made to get the best possible symmetry and appearance.

 

Benefits experienced by most patients:

1. Limiting the Physical impact of mastectomy

2. Limiting the Psychological impact of mastectomy

3. Restoring symmetry - making clothing easier to wear comfortably and confidently

4. Restoring Confidence

 

Negative Aspects:

1. Scars (usually due to mastectomy)- with good Scar Care -usually fade within 9 to 18 months

2. Sensory Changes

3. Surgical Complications - Infection (which may result in removal of the tissue expander), Bleeding, Haematoma, Seroma, Deep Vein Thrombosis.