This is done in advance of breast implants so that the chest wall and skin can accommodate them.
Because of the stretching involved, tissue expanders can be painful or uncomfortable.
Why Tissue Expanders Cause Pain
A tissue expander is usually put in duringmastectomy surgery.
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
The expander is inserted underneath the chest muscle.
Tissue expanders can feel very hard and unnatural because they are thicker and less flexible than implants.
A tissue expander should not cause changes in the color of the breast tissue.
Verywell / Britney Willson
If it does, let your healthcare provider know.
The gear will likely need to be slightly deflated.
If you have expanders on both sides, one side may feel more painful than the other.
Simple pain-relieving strategies may be effective in managing tissue expander pain.
When those aren’t enough, medications or an adjustment of your expanders may be needed.
This key in of pain is characterized by breast tenderness and soreness.
If you are also having radiation treatments,radiation fibrosismay cause pain around your tissue expanders as well.
Many women benefit fromcancer rehabilitation, especiallyphysical therapy, after a mastectomy.
Pain may also be a sign of aninfection.
Infections that are diagnosed early are easier to manage with local or oralantibiotics.
Larger fills can increase the risk of skin breakdown and infection, especially if you are having radiation.
They can be uncomfortable, but there are ways to manage the pain, including home remedies and medication.
Physical therapy can also be effective in helping to enhance mobility.
Whatever method you use for pain relief, it’s important to take care of your skin.
The skin above your expander is at risk for breakdown and infection if not cared for properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes.
Sometimes after an expansion, you may feel some pain or discomfort in the shoulder or back.
This usually goes away within a few days.
For the first four weeks, you should not sleep on your stomach.
The Breast Center.Sleeping with tissue expanders.
