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Breast Reconstruction
Breast Reconstruction
Understand more about your reconstruction options and the choices you have with Mentor.
Two-Stage Breast Reconstruction with an Implant
A combination of procedures helps to gradually create a space in your chest tissue for a breast implant. The most common approach includes a tissue expander followed by placement of a breast implant - allowing for the most flexibility in shaping the breast.
First Stage
Your surgeon will surgically insert a tissue expander, and slowly expand the device over a period of time to create space for an implant. Typically, you'll meet with your plastic surgeon on a regular basis to fill the expander with sterile saline to gradually stretch the skin.
Second Stage
Once the breast pocket reaches the desired size, your surgeon will perform a second surgery to remove the tissue expander and replace it with the breast implant. If a mastectomy was only performed on one breast, you might choose to have the other breast augmented to achieve symmetry.