Breast Reconstruction with Implants / Tissue Expanders / Alloderm

This section describes how breast implants can be used (with or without expanders) to reconstruct breasts following mastectomy for breast cancer. If you are interested in cosmetic breast enhancement (breast augmentation with implants), please click here.

The most common method of breast reconstruction currently performed in the US utilizes tissue expanders and implants. Breast reconstruction with implants can be performed as a one-step or multiple-step procedure. Most surgeons perform these reconstructions as multiple-staged procedures.

Stage 1: The first stage involves placement of tissue expanders. This can either be done at the time of the mastectomy (for immediate reconstruction patients) or after the mastectomy has healed (for delayed reconstruction patients). Expanders are essentially temporary implants that act as spacers. Breast reconstruction with implants or tissue expanders, in our practice, is generally reserved for patients who do not have adequate tissue for a flap reconstruction, or do not wish to use their own tissue for reconstruction.

Stage 2: The expanders are filled as much as possible at the time of the initial surgery. Further expansion is performed in the office as required once the incisions have healed. This expansion process can require several weeks, depending on the amount of expansion required by the patient to reach the optimal breast size.

Stage 3: Once the tissue expanders are adequately filled they are exchanged for permanent breast implants. Two types of breast implants are available to patients: Saline and Silicone. It is advised that you speak with your plastic surgeon as to which implant would be best for you. Patients who undergo breast reconstruction with implants should be aware that their implants may need to be replaced at a future date.

Some patients are candidates for Alloderm One-Step Breast Reconstruction whereby a permanent implant is inserted immediately following mastectomy. The patient avoids the use of an expander and the whole expansion process. In the one-step Alloderm reconstruction the breast implant is completely covered by the pectoralis muscle and Alloderm (an acellular dermal graft).

To view before and after photos of our reconstruction surgeries please visit our Gallery. If you would like to schedule a consultation with one of our reconstructive surgeons please contact our office today and a member of our staff will be happy to help you.