It is important for patients with breast cancer to be patient when tissue expanders are in place. Tissue expanders are temporary and will be exchanged when implants are placed. Tissue expanders have a firmer silicone elastomer shell and are filled with saline during the expansion process. Tissue expanders help fill the dead space after a mastectomy and can help control the quality of the skin after mastectomy. Too much expansion, too soon, can thin out the mastectomy skin. Letting the skin heal after the mastectomy can help to provide a better soft tissue construct in the long-term.
The photograph demonstrates tissue expanders in place followed by removal of the tissue expanders and replacement with soft silicone gel mammary prosthesis.
