How long does it take for an implant expander?
Approximately one to three months after the tissue expander has reached the correct size, you will undergo a second operation. During this surgery, the expander is removed and an implant is inserted in its place. The surgery lasts about one to two hours and is followed by a hospital stay of four to 24 hours.
Are implants softer than expanders?
Yes, the permanent implant will feel softer and lighter compared to the tissue expander. Tissue expanders have a harder shell and are filled with saline, which makes them feel firmer and heavier compared to permanent implants.
Can you swim with expanders?
What should my activity level be? You cannot perform house hold chores or heavy lifting greater than 5 to 10 pounds for 6 weeks post-operatively. No hot tubs, swimming in lakes while the tissue expander is in place.
What is soft tissue expansion?
Soft tissue expansion is a natural phenomenon seen in. pregnancy, obesity, tumour growth and (ancient) tribal rituals. In reconstructive plastic surgery tissue expansion has become a common surgical procedure to grow extra skin through controlled mechanical overstretch.
Can I exercise with tissue expanders?
Latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction Because this type of reconstruction affects the shoulder muscle, you should wait to start any gentle shoulder stretching until about 2 weeks after surgery. Wait until about 3 months after surgery to do any resistance/strength exercises.
How much does tissue expansion cost?
The overall costs associated with an AeroForm expander were $2,360 as compared with $1,882 with a saline tissue expander; surgical site infection carries a cost of $22,782.56 in 2018 US dollars (Table 2).
What does a tissue expander look like?
A tissue expander looks a lot like a breast implant, although it has a thicker outer shell than breast implants. There is a port on the front of the expander.
How long are tissue expanders left in?
Once you are happy with your breast size, the tissue expander will be left in place for a few weeks for maximal tissue expansion. The earliest your reconstruction surgery can be performed is three weeks after your final expansion visit.
How do you make tissue expanders more comfortable?
One way that we make tissue expanders more comfortable is by using a product called AlloDerm® Tissue Matrix. AlloDerm acts like a hammock beneath the expander. This innovative, body-safe product covers the lower portion of the expander to help speed up the healing process.
