Tissue expander breast reconstruction is a two-stage approach where a temporary device (the expander) is placed at the time of mastectomy to create space for a future breast implant or flap reconstruction. The expander is gradually filled with saline over several weeks to stretch the skin, preparing the chest for a permanent implant or free flap.
Once the desired size and shape are achieved, a second surgery is performed to replace the expander with a breast implant or natural tissue.
Your surgeon will help determine whether a two-stage approach is best for your health and goals.
For women who need a staged approach or prefer the flexibility of gradual sizing, tissue expander reconstruction is an excellent option. Though it requires two surgeries, it allows more control over the final result and is often recommended in cases where skin or tissue needs time to heal and adapt.
At North Beach Plastic Surgery, our surgeons provide expert guidance through each stage of the process, ensuring that every patient feels supported from mastectomy through final implant placement.
At North Beach Plastic Surgery, our board-certified microsurgeons specialize in advanced perforator flap techniques, such as LAP, DIEP, PAP and others — tailoring reconstruction to each patient’s body and goals.
Reach out to our office today using this form, or give us a call to schedule your consultation. We’re excited to partner with you on your healing journey.
Dr. Jablonka is hands down the absolute best doctor I’ve ever had. He is caring, compassionate and really takes his time with his patients. I had complicated breast reconstruction surgery after a double mastectomy. And of course I had complications while recuperating. So it required a couple more surgeries. Dr. Jablonka did an amazing job and was right by my side the entire time. He is a very skilled plastic surgeon. I highly, highly recommend. I give him 10 stars out of 5!!!
Dr. Jablonka is an amazing surgeon. During my consultation for DIEP I knew within minutes that he was the surgeon for me. Not only did he have all the education and experience he was also very easy to talk to and took the time to thoroughly explain the procedure and answer all of my questions. Listening to him explain the DIEP flap procedure I instantly knew that not only was this his profession, but truly his passion. I am now almost 3 months post-op and so happy with my results. My breasts look natural and they are made with my tissue. I am beyond grateful to Dr. Jablonka and his incredible team for making one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done so much easier. If you have to have breast reconstruction for preventative reasons or because of a breast cancer diagnosis I highly recommend Dr. Jablonka.
Dr Jablonka is a phenomenal surgeon and he truly cares for his patients. I had a breast reconstruction with DIEP flap post prophylactic double mastectomy from 12 years prior. He removed the old implants using my own fat and placing them above the pectoral muscle not under like before. The look and the feel is so natural. I don’t have that constant tightness and hardness in my breasts. I feel and look normal again. He has been very kind throughout the process. He explained everything patiently every time. His staff Elizabeth and his nurse Stephanie were always there for me as well helping every step of the way. The front desk receptionist (I can’t recall her name) and every one else there that I came in contact with was kind polite and attentive. Everybody at the office took great care of me. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart!
Being diagnosed with breast cancer at 37 was H.A.R.D. Having a double mastectomy burned even more. Losing one expander and being flat for months was the icing on the cake. Then I was referred to Dr. Jablonka as a DIEP Flap candidate. I knew from the first time I met Dr. Jablonka that he was amazing. He was very thorough and took all the time in the world to explain to myself and to my husband what the process would be and answered all of our questions. His staff is top notch and just as sweet as they come. There are no words to adequately express my sincere gratitude to Dr. Jablonka and his team for giving me confidence back and making me a proud survivor!
There aren't enough good words to describe Dr. Jablonka. He's the absolute best. He's kind, caring, and talented. I came to him broken after my double mastectomy reconstruction was a bust. He put me back together. Brought back my self-esteem. Gave me my life back. Love, love, love him and his amazing support staff.