Gel Implant Reconstruction
Gel Implant Reconstruction is just one of the options available to women considering reconstruction. A two step process, the first involves putting in a temporary tissue expander implant at the tie of the mastectomy. This gets gradually expanded until the patients mastectomy skin has reached the volume necessary for the desired implant size. Once this has been reached the temporary tissue expander implant is removed and replaced with the actual silicone or saline filled implant.
Although these implants are FDA approved and have been proven not to increase risk of illness, there are other risks to consider. Implants are foreign bodies and this means risk of infection, rupture or deflation, and scar formation around the implant, known as capsular contracture. In addition, patients with reconstructive breast implants may require revisional surgery in the future. Therefore women who do not want to face the potential for revisional surgery secondary to implant related issues often choose alternative options such as an autologous tissue only reconstruction.