Tissue Expander Implant Reconstruction in Charlotte, NC

Name: Tissue Expander Implant Reconstruction
Brand: Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery & Medspa
Rating: 4.8 (458 reviews)

Tissue expander implant reconstruction provides a staged approach to rebuilding the breast after mastectomy or congenital concerns. This reconstructive option allows gradual stretching of skin and muscle before permanent implants, offering natural results with lasting confidence.

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Tissue Expander Implant Reconstruction in Charlotte

For some women, plastic surgery involves more than cosmetic surgery; it may also involve reconstructive surgery. At Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery & Medspa, our surgeons recognize the importance of offering reconstructive options to our patients.

Why Women Choose Reconstruction

There are many reasons that women may desire and need reconstruction. Whether the cause of the deficit is congenital, such as Poland’s Syndrome, or the result of a mastectomy after breast cancer, breast reconstruction surgery is an excellent option for women to help restore the look and feel of a natural breast.

There is no one right reconstructive plan for women desiring breast reconstruction. Both Drs. Kara and Bryan Criswell understand how personal this decision-making is and wish to offer you the opportunity to discuss all possible options.

The information below will help provide some basic information you may wish to consider as you make this personal decision. We encourage you to call to make an appointment with either Dr. Kara Criswell or Dr. Bryan Criswell to further discuss which option is best for you.

woman in black underwear set with her hand on her neck and her other on her hip

Breast Reconstruction Options

Breast reconstruction is generally performed in multiple stages. It can be performed as immediate reconstruction (at the same time as your mastectomy), or as delayed reconstruction, months or even years after.

Regardless, it is rarely completed in only one operation and can often involve multiple procedures over many months. We want our patients undergoing breast reconstruction to be aware of the different stages and understand that our surgeons are committed to providing the best outcome throughout every stage.

Breast Reconstruction With Implants

Stage One: Tissue Expander Placement

For many patients, breast reconstruction with implants is a great option. The first stage involves placing a tissue expander beneath your chest muscles. This expander is a balloon-like device made from gel.

Over time, saline fluid is added in order to inflate the expander and stretch the skin. This expansion takes place over a few weeks to months, with regular office visits. Eventually, the skin and muscle are stretched sufficiently so that there is room for the placement of a more permanent implant.

Stage Two: Permanent Implant

Stage two involves placing this implant. The balloon expander is removed, and your surgeon will then insert a breast implant. The implant can be saline-filled or silicone gel (‘gummy bear’ style).

The choice of implant is between you and your surgeon, but generally speaking, the gel implants give a more natural look and feel.

Stage Three: Nipple and Areola Reconstruction

Stage three involves the reconstruction of your nipple and areola. Skin from the central portion of the breast is used to recreate the nipple. This is generally performed as a separate surgery a few weeks after the placement of the implant.

Once your surgeon has surgically created the nipple and areola, many women go on to have the area tattooed so that the color match is natural. Dr. Criswell uses a medical tattoo device to permanently color the areola. This is done in the office over one or two sessions.

Schedule A Consultation

I had a breast reduction done by Dr. Bryan Criswell at Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery, and I couldn’t be happier with my experience. My recovery has gone very smoothly, and my results already look amazing.

Dr. Kara Criswell was both professional and caring. I went to her for a BBL and could not be happier with my results. I highly recommend Dr. Criswell and will most definitely be going back to her for future procedures!

My experience with Dr. Kara and her staff has been amazing. They all are so caring and helpful. After my breast reduction, she continued to call and check on me. I am extremely satisfied with everything.

I love Dr. Criswell and his staff. 3-4 years after he did my neck lift and tummy tuck, I am still doing great. What a boost to my self-esteem! He is very honest and direct, and he ensured that everything went well.

Dr Criswell and the team were extremely kind and professional and went above and beyond for me during my liposuction. I am now 3 months post-op and get so many compliments about my midsection. I am very happy with the results. I highly recommend him!

Dr. Bryan Criswell performed my Lower Abdominal Lipo and Butt Augmentation and he gave me exactly what I wanted and more. His staff is absolutely amazing and the quality of the work is priceless. I absolutely love my results and I get a lot of compliments!

I had reconstructive surgery following my bi-lateral mastectomy after my breast cancer diagnosis. Dr Criswell has been my surgeon and ally and my cheerleader ever since! I am beyond pleased with the services of Criswell and Criswell.

Dr Criswell was phenomenal. I got a tummy tuck and am now almost four months post op and am so thrilled with my results. I wore a bikini for the first time in 20+ years!! I would absolutely recommend them to anyone!

Dr. Kara Criswell is fantastic! She listens to your concerns and honestly tells you your surgical options and the possible outcomes. I just had a breast reduction that she performed and I am thrilled with the results!

This was absolutely the best experience I could have ever imagined for my Breast Augmentation with Dr. Criswell. The doctors and staff are wonderful and I am very pleased with the results.

I have been going to Criswell & Criswell for different services since 2022. The staff is so kind, so happy and easy to talk to and makes every experience great. I’ve also been happy with every service I’ve ever received!

My experience with Criswell & Criswell has been nothing short of amazing. From the first call (zoom) last year I knew that I had made the right decision. Dr Criswell and his staff are awesome.

I have only had a virtual appointment so far. Dr. Criswell was professional, knowledgeable and had a great bedside manner. I enjoyed meeting him!!

Dr. Kara Criswell is absolutely amazing and I highly recommend her to anyone who will listen! I really wanted a female surgeon and she has exceeded all of my expectations.

All was excellent! Dr Kara Criswell and her staff wonderfully collaborated to carry my medical intervention!

From the reception staff to the doctor, everyone was very kind and made me feel comfortable.

Dr. Criswell and his staff are top notch! Very kind and professional.

I had a virtual appointment with Dr Bryan Criswell yesterday. He is fabulous!!

Dr Criswell is always Amazing. They have beautiful offices and operating rooms. The staff is always exceptionally helpful and kind.

Incredible Experience & Beautiful, Natural Results Dr. Bryan Criswell and his entire team at Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery were absolutely amazing from start to finish.

From consult to recovery, the care was incredible.

They made me feel cared for, not just treated.

They treated me like family from start to finish.

My results are amazing and I am so happy.

They made me feel comfortable and confident.

Incredible experience and beautiful, natural results.

Everything turned out perfect and looks so natural.

The surgery itself went smoothly, and the aftercare was amazing.

Recovery After Tissue Expander Implant Reconstruction

Early Recovery Phase

After your surgery, you will need adequate time to rest and heal. As the tissue expander is often placed in the same surgery as the mastectomy, you need to plan for your recovery.

After you wake up from surgery, you will still feel groggy from the anesthetic. In most cases, you will have compression sleeves on your legs to assist with circulation. To aid in your comfort, you will be on pain medication. Your upper body, where the incisions were placed, will feel tender.

Rest and Recover at Home

Plan on resting in bed so your body uses its energy to heal. You may have surgical drains to manage, and we ensure our patients have complete, easy-to-understand aftercare instructions.

Plan on having a friend or family member with you, particularly during the early stages of recovery. Each day, you can move about more freely, and should do so, as stimulating circulation speeds the healing process.

Preparing for the Next Stage

Several simple exercises will be appropriate during this period. Once the tissue expander has reached the size of the breast implant, the next surgery can take place. The placement of the implant involves a shorter, easier recovery time.

Community Resources

Charlotte has many wonderful resources for women with breast cancer. Carolinas Breast Friends is one of them. It is a non-profit organization committed to uniting and helping women with breast cancer in all stages of survival. The organization centers on those who want to create a social and educational outlet for women united in a sisterhood of survival and hope.