Ask an Expert: View a Question
 
 
 
 

Ask an Expert is a free question-and-answer service about breast cancer and breast health that is available on weekends. If you'd like to ask a question or comment, please visit us again on Saturday or Sunday. In the meantime, please search the existing topics using the search tool at the top of the page. It's quite possible that one of our many existing topics already addresses your question.

If you would like a consultation with a breast specialist at the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center, call 443-778-2778. It is possible to get an appointment for a second opinion within a few days of contacting us.

We hope you find the information helpful!

ForumQuestionsAsk a Question
Mastectomy with Tissue Expander
Questions about Mastectomy with Tissue Expander.
962 Ask a Question

AskedPublicly Submitted Question
10/5/2011I had BMC 5/10/11 with TE placement. Fills done during chemo with no problems. Exchange surgery scheduled for 10/3/11. Had had red area under left TE with stretching and pain. Fluid cultures all neg, WBC normal and no fever or heat to touch. At removal of Lt TE found inside pocket to have very thin skin areas and surgeon said looked like inside of boil. Took out TE then closed. Cultures still neg from surgery and still no signs of infection. Surgeon wants to wait 3 months for reinsertion and then 4 months of fills. Why do I need to wait this long if it was a tissue irritation (from what I believe was overfilling) and not an infection, So don't want to start all over again.
RepliedJHU's Breast Center Reply
10/6/2011Thank you for turning to the Johns Hopkins Breast Center. Evidently, from what you describe, for whatever reason, irritation with inflamation developed with TE. Thankfully not an infection. So tissue 'rest' and subsequent healing needs to take place. Seek a second opinion with a breast plastic reconstructive surgeon for additional information, and your own piece of mind. Hope this helps, and best wishes

Please note: This service is not intended to provide primary medical advice concerning specific medical care or treatment. Ask an Expert is a free service operated by health care professionals at the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center. Due to the volume of questions and their complexity, there are times when medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists or oncology nurses are consulted for their input. These individuals volunteer their time for this service and will respond as soon as they are able. Please do not post or send the same question to us in multiple locations or categories.

 
 
 
 
 

© The Johns Hopkins University, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, and Johns Hopkins Health System, All rights reserved.