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Starting reconstruction after rupture?

Page last modified on: September 30, 2008
Question from Holly: I had a tissue expander placed in November 2004, but after only one "fill-up," my incision ruptured and the expander had to be removed. Is it safe to start reconstruction again?
Answer —Carolyn Chang, M.D.: When the reconstruction fails and the implant is exposed, it's safe to replace the tissue expander approximately six months after the implant was removed and the skin was closed. In other words, it takes six months for the skin wound area to clear itself of infection and to get strong enough to accept another implant.

On Wednesday, April 20, 2005, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Reconstruction and Safe, Sexy Cosmetics. Carolyn C. Chang, M.D., Anna-Dee Rinehart, S.C.S., and moderator Lillie Shockney, R.N., B.S., M.A.S. answered your questions about reconstructive surgery and safe, sexy cosmetics.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Carolyn C. Chang, M.D. is a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in breast reconstruction after mastectomy, TRAM flap reconstruction, and implant reconstruction.

Anna-Dee Rinehart S.C.S. is a nurse-aesthetician, aesthetic instructor, and director of education for Austin Medical Aesthetics in Austin, Texas.

Lillie Shockney, RN., BS., M.A.S.Lillie Shockney, R.N., B.S., M.A.S. is the administrative director of the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center.

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