There are 2 basic ways to reconstruct the breast after a mastectomy.  One is using your own tissue and the other is using tissue expanders and implants.

Today, we will describe the use of tissue expanders and implants for breast reconstructive surgery.  (Remember, a lumpectomy and radiation is considered breast conserving therapy and requires no reconstruction.)  Tissue expanders are a type of saline implant with an access port built into the implant.

The breast tissue expander is thicker than a typical breast implant and usually teardrop shaped.  The expander port is accessed periodically after your wounds have healed and the expander is inflated with saline.  Usually this is done weekly.  The entire process to full expansion may take a few weeks to a few months depending on final expansion size, healing times, and whether or not you need chemotherapy.

I favor the use of a cadaver skin product called Alloderm to be used as a protective covering for the expander.  This cadaver skin has been treated so that there are no live cells.  There is only the framework of the skin remaining.  This product helps minimize capsular contracture, assists with overall contour and shape, acts as an internal brassiere, and acts as a protective covering for the breast tissue expander in case of poor healing.

Next time we will discuss breast reconstruction with your own tissue.