Implants/Tissue Expansion

Fairfield County, Connecticut – Breast Reconstruction – Tissue Expansion and Implants

Before living tissue surgical techniques were introduced, most women opted for breast reconstruction using breast implants. This procedure still remains a viable option for our Fairfield County, Connecticut patients. Often, during breast reconstruction with implants, the surgeon will find the need to utilize tissue expanders to stretch the skin and create space that can accommodate the implants. To discuss breast reconstruction with implants and tissue expansion, contact our practice today and schedule a private consultation.

Using Tissue Expanders to Accommodate Breast Reconstruction Implants

When the majority of breast skin is removed during a mastectomy, it is nearly impossible to create an aesthetically pleasing breast shape without stretching the remaining skin. Patients of Dr. Passaretti's Connecticut practice may select a type of breast reconstruction implants called tissue expanders, which can be placed immediately after a mastectomy or in a separate procedure performed at a later date. The purpose of these tissue expanders is to stretch the skin and make room for silicone or saline implants.

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Once positioned under the muscle, tissue expanders are gradually inflated over a period of six to eight weeks to slowly stretch the skin. After the skin has stabilized, the tissue expander is removed during a second procedure and replaced with a permanent breast implant.

Breast reconstruction surgeries that involve tissue expansion implants require less time spent in an operating room than living tissue reconstruction procedures; recovery time is also shorter. However, breast reconstruction with implants remains a two-stage procedure with a significant amount of time allotted to stretching the skin. For this reason, many of our patients prefer the one-time latissimus flap or TRAM flap breast reconstruction procedure.

Find out More about Breast Reconstruction

For many Connecticut patients, breast reconstruction using tissue expanding implants is still a viable option. To learn more about this technique, please contact the practice of Dr. Passaretti and schedule a consultation today.

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