What are breast expanders?

Gini, expanders are generally made of silicone. They're like a balloon that can be gradually filled with saline solution (over the course of months) to expand your skin,preparatory to having an implant. They're removed and replaced by the implant, once your skin has been stretched enough. Perhaps Angi will see this and give you more details - she's the expert! Good luck with this - PJH

Gini - After you have you mastectomy and you're ready for reconstruction, your plastic surgeon will place an expander beneath your muscle that is filled with a little bit of saline.  The outside of the expander is a very thick plastic like material, such as an implant.  The main difference is that there is a valave located on it where each week once you are ready, you're doctor will use this magnetic device to locate the position of a tiny piece of metal where the valve is.  then he will insert a long needle into your muscle and valve and add saline until you feel tight.  The uncomfortableness will last a few days, yet you should get weekly fills.  Depending on what size you want, it should take no more than 3 months from start to finish to swap it out for an implant.  then about 3 months down the road you should be able to discuss having a nipple made.

It goes very fast, and it's not too bad.  Just take a tylenol or something before your fills and the pain should be fine.

Good luck!

Angi

Breast expanders are temporary silicone bags that are expanded w/ saline to stretch the skin accomodating an implant.  They are removed once the patient and doctor are satisfied w/ the size of the breast reconstructed.  The implant is then inserted as a permanent item.