Needle-Free Breast Tissue Expander
Watson Clinic's
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery department is excited to offer our breast cancer patients a new alternative using the first FDA-approved needle-free breast tissue expander. Women who choose breast reconstructive surgery following a mastectomy will appreciate the many benefits that the breast tissue expander will provide them:
- No needles
- Fewer doctor office visits
- Patient controls the device
- Less discomfort
- Reduced recovery time
- Ready for permanent implant in half the time
The conventional method of breast expansion involves the temporary insertion of an implant that is steadily enlarged with a needle injection of saline in order to stretch the skin and muscle of the chest wall. This can be extremely uncomfortable and inconvenient as it requires multiple visits to the doctor. This method also takes twice as long to prepare the area for a permanent implant.
For our patient's convenience and to provide a reduced recovery time, the AeroForm® expander gives the patient more control over the recovery process. Instead of visiting the doctor's office frequently for saline injections the patient uses a remote control to release compressed CO2 into the tissue of the chest wall to enlarge the area for the permanent breast implant. Complete expansion can take about 21 days compared to the conventional saline injection average of 46 days. Used once or twice a day, the patient inflates the tissue when it is convenient for them and in the comfort of their own home.