SM Expander

The simplest way to reconstruct a breast is to use an implant. During a mastectomy, however, the aim of the operation will have been to leave the chest wall flat so that an external prosthesis can be worn over the skin without rubbing. This means that the skin overlying the chest wall must be stretched up and this can be done using an implant that is expandable.

The expander implant is placed under the chest skin and muscle and the tissues are then gently stretched. Essentially the implant is a small balloon that can be inflated with salt water via a valve placed under the skin. Once the tissues have matched the opposite side either the expander can be left in place and the valve removed or the expander changed for a different permanent implant.

This type of procedure is good for patients who don't want scars on other parts of the body, whose breasts are relatively small or do not have a large degree of droop.

what else do I need to know?

Recurrence of Breast Cancer There is no evidence that having a reconstruction increases the risk of cancer returning or delays the diagnosis of recurrence but also you should not allow reconstruction to interfere with treatment for the breast cancer and having a reconstruction will not stop a recurrence of the cancer, if it were to occur.

possible complications include:

Infection Superficial wound infection is easily treated with antibiotics. Infection of the implant are troublesome as, generally, the implant must be removed to fully treat the infection, and re-inserted at a later date.

Bleeding It is common to have a small degree of oozing at the wound edges, but it is possible to develop a collection of blood under the skin. If this happens it may need to be let out by returning to theatre and re-opening the wound.

learning more

If you'd like to know more about SM Expander, we invite you to download our SM Expander brochure or call our office at 01273 62 11 44.

other procedures

more information

The confidential consultation provides the opportunity to meet your specialist surgeon who will take full details of your medical history and discuss your concerns. Your specialist surgeon will indicate and explain the most appropriate procedure, treatment and aftercare. The confidential consultation takes place in a relaxed atmosphere and provides you with the opportunity to be fully informed. Mr Yelland is happy to see cosmetic patients on a self-referral basis.

If you would like a consultation to be arranged for you, please fill in the form or contact us by telephone at (01273) 621144. Arranging a medical consultation does not obligate you to anything other than attending the appointment. There is no obligation to proceed with treatment. This is entirely a matter for your decision, after the surgeon has decided on the feasibility and accepted you as suitable.

Specialising in Cosmetic Surgery, Breast Augmentation (Breast Enlargement), Breast Implants, Breast Uplift (Mastopexy), Breast Reduction, Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck), Mini Abdominoplasty (Minituck), Liposuction (Liposculpture), Facial Rejuvenation (Wrinkle Removal / Line Injection, Restylane), Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty), Fat Transfer

Cosmetic Surgery services provided in Sussex, Surrey, Kent, Hampshire, Wiltshire, Berkshire, London and the South-East of England.

• Sussex - Brighton & Hove, Eastbourne, Worthing, Hastings, Haywards Heath
• Surrey - Redhill, Reigate, Gatwick, Guildford, Horsham, Crawley, Sutton, Camberley
• Kent - Tunbridge Wells, Maidstone, Sevenoaks, Chatham, Ashford
• Hampshire - Portsmouth, Southampton
• Wiltshire - Salisbury, Andover
• Berkshire - Swindon, Reading
• Isle of Wight
• London