If you’ve elected to have implant reconstruction following a mastectomy, there are two options for the procedure: using a breast tissue expander which is a two-step process, or direct-to-implant reconstruction which is completed at the same time as the mastectomy.
With the tissue expander implant reconstruction, an expander is put in between the skin and chest muscle at the same time as the mastectomy surgery or afterwards, if you’re choosing delayed reconstruction. The expander has a small valve that will be filled gradually over time with saline every one to two weeks, stretching the skin until the area is ready for the permanent implant.
Only a minority of women are great candidates for direct-to-implant reconstruction, says Dr. Andrea Pusic, Chief of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, that’s because it’s best for women with small breasts and/or women who are having no skin removed and preserving the nipple and areola. Women who are able to get this option can go home from a mastectomy with their breast reconstructed.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
Andrea Pusic is the chief of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Brigham Health. She is an internationally renowned innovator and leader in the area of patient-reported outcomes and surgical experience. Read More
If you’ve elected to have implant reconstruction following a mastectomy, there are two options for the procedure: using a breast tissue expander which is a two-step process, or direct-to-implant reconstruction which is completed at the same time as the mastectomy.
With the tissue expander implant reconstruction, an expander is put in between the skin and chest muscle at the same time as the mastectomy surgery or afterwards, if you’re choosing delayed reconstruction. The expander has a small valve that will be filled gradually over time with saline every one to two weeks, stretching the skin until the area is ready for the permanent implant.
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Only a minority of women are great candidates for direct-to-implant reconstruction, says Dr. Andrea Pusic, Chief of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, that’s because it’s best for women with small breasts and/or women who are having no skin removed and preserving the nipple and areola. Women who are able to get this option can go home from a mastectomy with their breast reconstructed.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
Andrea Pusic is the chief of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Brigham Health. She is an internationally renowned innovator and leader in the area of patient-reported outcomes and surgical experience. Read More
