tissue expander | Franklyn Elliott, M.D.

tissue expander

August 16, 2016

Breast Reconstruction: Tissue Expander vs. Breast Implant

Blog, Breast Cancer, Breast Reconstruction, Breast Surgery, Educational Atlanta breast reconstruction surgeon, atlanta plastic surgeon, breast implant, breast reconstruction Atlanta, tissue expander

Breast cancer can be a shocking diagnosis, even for a patient who knows she’s genetically predisposed to it. Unfortunately, it’s also just the beginning of a road of difficult decisions regarding your health. Breast reconstruction is often a part of this journey, but fortunately, making the choices about your reconstructive surgery can at least offer you an optimistic opportunity to look forward to having breasts that make you feel confident once again. Still, it’s important to take these decisions seriously, so in the video below, I’ve taken a closer look at an option many breast reconstruction patients have: whether to use a tissue expander or to use a breast implant directly.

Your breast reconstruction procedure should be designed to fit your medical needs and your aesthetic vision—after all, the goal is to help you feel more comfortable in your own skin. To discuss your options for breast reconstruction or another plastic or reconstructive surgery, schedule a consultation with me, board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Franklyn Elliott. Or, to stay up-to-date on the latest cosmetic surgery news, follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

July 27, 2012

New Device May Help Patients Prepare for Breast Reconstruction

Blog, Breast Cancer, Breast Reconstruction, Breast Surgery Breast implants, breast procedures, breast reconstruction, breast reconstruction device, breast reconstruction surgery, breast reconstruction technology, DIEP flap reconstruction, dr franklyn elliott, Dr. Elliott, scarless latissimus flap surgery, tissue expander, TRAM flap breast reconstruction

Every women responds differently when they receive a life-changing diagnosis such as breast cancer. As a patient discovers her treatment path, she will most likely also consider breast reconstruction surgery options. Breast reconstruction is a procedure that restores breasts after breast cancer removal surgery.

There are many options available for breast reconstruction surgery including TRAM flap breast reconstruction, DIEP flap reconstruction, and scarless latissimus flap surgery. Depending on the circumstances, a woman may have immediate or delayed breast reconstruction using a breast implant or tissue expander.

As one of Dr. Franklyn Elliott’s passions, he understands reconstructive surgery is a personal decision and spends the time with each patient discussing all of their options as well as questions and concerns. As each patient’s circumstances are unique, Dr. Elliott can help evaluate and prepare an individual for breast reconstruction surgery. During a consultation he will determine if a patient has enough tissue to insert a breast implant or if a tissue expander is needed to create more room for an implant.

Recently, the first remote-controlled tissue expander device was used at the University of Massachusetts Medical School to prepare a patient for breast reconstruction. The AirXpander is similar to other tissue expanders as it stretches skin to make room for the implant but is less invasive than other options. With this device an implant is inserted that contains a cartridge of carbon dioxide and an antenna. A transponder remotely triggers the device to release carbon dioxide up to three times a day under the skin. This preparation is said to be virtually pain-free, and women can be prepared for surgery in much less time than the regular 6-month wait with traditional tissue expanders.

As Dr. Elliott stays on the forefront of new breast reconstruction technology and advancements, he is excited to see more about this device’s use. The AirXpander is currently undergoing clinical trials at 10 hospitals across the county.

To find more information about breast procedures Dr. Elliott performs, please contact our office. You can see Dr. Elliott’s breast work on our before and after gallery. To stay updated on the latest in breast surgery news follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google +.