- What Is Tissue Expander Implant Reconstruction?
- How Is Tissue Expander Implant Reconstruction Performed?
- What Are the Benefits of Tissue Expander Implant Reconstruction?
- Northwestern Specialists in Plastic Surgery Reviews
- Define Your Look Post-Mastectomy
- Get In Touch
- Related Procedures
- Related Posts
What Is Tissue Expander Implant Reconstruction?
Tissue expander implant reconstruction is one of the breast reconstruction techniques we offer at Northwestern Specialists in Plastic Surgery for Chicago, IL women who are planning or have undergone mastectomy (breast removal surgery). A tissue expander is a balloon-like device that can be placed in the breast tissue during your mastectomy or in a later surgery. These inserts are then slowly filled with salt water to gently expand the breasts, creating room for an implant to be placed later. Tissue expander implant reconstruction offers a gradual approach to breast restoration with fewer risks of complications and less visible scarring, making it a popular choice for many patients. Learn more about this procedure and find out if you're an eligible candidate by scheduling a consultation with the compassionate providers at our plastic surgery practice.
How Is Tissue Expander Implant Reconstruction Performed?
Tissue expanders can be surgically placed either during your mastectomy or afterward. To place the expander, our surgeons will open a small pocket underneath the skin or the chest muscle. We may add a small amount of sterile saline solution at this point to fill out the empty space. After the implants have healed, we'll add more saline solution over the course of several visits to slowly increase your breast volume until they've reached the desired size. Many women experience a sense of pressure as a result of the expanders, but pain or discomfort is rare. Once you have reached the size you want, we'll schedule an additional surgery to exchange your expander inserts for long-lasting saline or silicone implants.
What Are the Benefits of Tissue Expander Implant Reconstruction?
Tissue expander implant reconstruction is just one of the many approaches to breast reconstruction we perform at Northwestern Specialists in Plastic Surgery. Compared to other techniques, this method offers a variety of benefits for Chicago, IL women dealing with the loss of one or more of their breasts, including:
- Restores a sense of comfort and confidence to your life
- Reduces risk of complications
- Fewer visible scars
- Shorter procedure and recovery time
Northwestern Specialists in Plastic Surgery Reviews
Dr. Moradian is amazing! I met him after having Mohs surgery for skin cancer on my chest. He did a phenomenal job of closing a large incision in an area that is very difficult to achieve good results. He is attentive, personable and really listens to your health history and concerns. He is readily available to respond to any questions/concerns you may have. I saw Dr. Moradian today for my follow up and I am very pleased with the outcome of my surgery with him. I highly recommend Dr. Moradian.
I am three months post-op from a full abdominoplasty and breast augmentation with Dr. Schierle. I cannot say enough about the entire NSPS team. From a very thorough consultation, to entertaining my pre-op “final question” appointment... all the way to check-in texts from my PA Monika & same-day office checks of I ever had concern or needed reassurance in recovery. Kendall’s responsiveness through scheduling, finances, & pre-op prep reassured me I was with the best team in Chicago. Not only are they pragmatic in their recommendations and meet the patient where they are at, Monika and Dr. Clark are funny as hell. A great duo. I was there for elective self- improvement after babies, but the things this team accomplishes from total breast reconstruction to skin cancer is no joke. I can tell they love their work & patients. I want to go back to school & work with them in my next life. I absolutely recommend Dr. Schierle, Monika & team to my closest friends & family members.
Dr. Fine and his team — Lexy and Caroline — are truly exceptional. I can’t say enough about the care, compassion, and talent they brought to my breast reconstruction journey. After a difficult start elsewhere, finding this team completely changed everything for me.Dr. Fine is not only incredibly skilled, but also kind, patient, and thoughtful. He approaches his work with an artistic eye and made me feel confident and truly cared for. Lexy, his PA, is amazing — they work so seamlessly together and always made me feel like I was in the best hands. Their dynamic is so genuine, like father and daughter, and their care felt incredibly personal.Caroline was a bright light at every visit — reassuring, compassionate, and effortlessly stylish (I always looked forward to seeing her outfits!).Even when I had a question outside normal hours — which I never want to do — both Lexy and Caroline responded right away and were so kind about it. Their attentiveness and support go above and beyond.I feel incredibly lucky to have been cared for by this team. They didn’t just help restore my body — they helped restore my confidence and peace of mind. I will be forever grateful.
I had an amazing experience with my breast reduction done by Clark Schierle. He and Monika made me feel extremely comfortable throughout the whole process, adjusting to what I wanted and taking the time to be available to me whenever I had a question or needed something. He himself is extremely professional yet welcoming, and his work is outstanding. I have wanted this procedure for years, and am so glad I came to him for it. I am beyond happy with my results, and could not recommend him more!
Saw Robyn today for a partial dissolve due to bad lip filler from a different medspa. She was so insightful to all the questions I had, I did not feel rushed at all, and she seemed to really care about all my concerns. And she was not salesy! Will definitely be seeing her in the future.
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Define Your Look Post-Mastectomy
Take the next step toward reclaiming your confidence with tissue expander breast implant reconstruction at Northwestern Specialists in Plastic Surgery. Our experienced team is here to guide you through every stage of your journey, offering compassionate support and dedicated care at our office in Chicago, IL. Schedule a consultation today to discuss your options, and start your path to a renewed sense of self.