Has Anyone Had Air Put in Their Expanders?

Yea and just had a slight discomfort for a day! Do you know how much they added?

Hello, How long do you have expanders in for? I was asked by my doctor if I wanted to put air in, and I said no. I just thought what for, I feel and look like crap so what for. It wouldn't make me feel better. I'm not pain-free with this expander, and I can't wait to get rid of it. Can anyone share their experiences, please? Thank you. All the best

Also, I was told not to ice because your sensation is not the same, and you may get ice burn. Well, I disagreed and iced regardless. Clearly, you don't just throw ice on the skin. Ì wrapped it in a cloth, and it was fine. Didn't help a lot, but I tried it.

I had expanders put in directly after my double mastectomy. They were filled with 500 cc of air during the surgery. Starting at my 2 week check up they started replacing the air with saline. I only felt slight discomfort the day of a 'fill'. The most discomfort I felt was toward the end of the fills when I was at the size that I wanted to be. I then had to wait until 4 weeks after chemo to have the expanders swapped for my implants. Followed by radiation. So I had expanders for a total of about 8 months. The expanders are not comfortable for sure. But nothing about this process is easy. Hang in there and keep your medical team in the loop of all of your symptoms. My team has been excellent at helping me manage Amy and all issues.

Thank u also one thing do they re cut u on the same cuts to take the expanded out

Yes, they went in through the side on my original cut.

Uuugghh! A regret I have right now is not letting them put the implants in right after the masectomy! Now I have to go through yet another pain. I just can't. I've been in pain now since June 12rh. Maybe it's because I still have one drain in. Idk.

Im not sure how much they added

These expander are so uncomfortable I've been in pain since my surgery June 4th and waring the bra doesn't help at all there putting saline in on wendsday not looking forward to that I wish it was over om just looking for a good day.

Nothing about this journey is easy. My diagnosis was in late May of 2024. I am getting my last radiation treatment today and then will go on maintenance drugs for a few years. I have been where you are. Hang in there. Use whatever resources you have available for support. There were days (especially during chemo) that I wasn't sure how I was going to do it. But here is am, about to ring the bell. You can do it!

Thank u Susan. So much for that i have my family. But I still alone.

Lidia, Sometimes, even if you have support from family and friends, you feel very alone. I felt the same way, and I had support. Eventually, it gets a bit better. As Susan said, nothing about this journey is easy. I hate the expander and the pain I've had since June 12th when it went in. I don't allow them to fill it as I don't feel it's going to help me mentally and emotionally in any way. But that's just me. I don't like the look of my breast now and just want the implant in at this point as quickly as possible so I can at some point be free of pain. Expanders are uncomfortable! Good luck to all🩷

So I had 650cc of saline put in on Tuesday a littel discomfort not bad I also have an appointment with an oncologist surgeon on Monday and then see my oncologist on the 14th I don't understand why both I had my doubel mastectomy on June 4th sooo

Many people in this community have shared experiences with tissue expander fills, and the discomfort you're describing is something others have gone through too. The icing approach can be helpful for managing post-procedure discomfort, and it's encouraging that you're taking steps to care for yourself during this challenging part of your reconstruction journey.