How can lopsided breast tissue expanders be corrected?

[GinnieLee]

I had breast tissue expanders inserted during my bilateral mastectomy.  The right breast tissue expander later became infected and was removed.  It was recently reinserted and is now about 1 to 2 inches higher than the left expander.  It looks very lopsided, unlike when the expanders were initially inserted.  The saline injections have not yet begun.  How can the lopsidedness be corrected before the DIEP-Flap reconstruction, if possible?  If not, will the reconstructive surgery correct the lopsidedness?  Thank you.

[SueYoung55]

DIEP flap reconstruction doesn't involve tissue expanders as it's a tissue transfer and blood supply transfer only. Expanders are unnecessary in this reconstruction application.

Expanders are used to stretch the area solely to create a pocket for implants to be inserted into. If they're lopsided now it is totally possible that a skilled surgeon can correct this at the time of the implant insertion. And because there have been no fills, it's possible that the expander hasn't dropped into the previously expanded area because it's empty.

[bluebutterfly2222]

I'd suggest you try the reconstructive and cosmetic surgery forum for an answer to your question:

http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Cosmetic--Reconstructive-Surgery/show/126

Best wishes,
bluebutterfly