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Early days after tissue expanders - common appearance ...
This picture has been borrowed from the net in response to a member's query regarding appearance after having bilateral 'skin-sparing' mastectomies with tissue expanders placed. The expanders will be gradually inflated. It appears in this pic the first inflation has been attended as there is very little expansion yet (hence the skin folds - which will 'expand' out and become smooth), and you can even see the bandaids where the needles were inserted!
The procedure is not usually painful, although many women do feel a 'tightness' over the chest after each inflation and may need to take a mild pain-killer like Ibuprofen or Paracetamol to ease discomfort for next 24hrs or so. Several inflations at separate appointments are usually required to reach the desired size before a second operation is arranged to exchange to the permanent implants.
NB: Removal of the nipples is common after breast cancer surgery as breast tissue runs directly through the nipples. However this is subject to discussion and arrangement with each person and their surgeon, and may not be done with prophylactic (preventative) surgery. The position of the scars in this pic is not typical of scar positioning in Australia - where they are usually placed horizontally across chest. This allows less likelihood of scars showing at neckline of clothes/bathers.
Please feel free to add comments or ask questions below .. would love to hear from anyone who has had this done or is thinking about it ...
xx
This post was edited by Glenys at April 12, 2013 4:38:39 PM WATime"
The Click Breast Care Nurse 
