What should you know about a Sientra tissue expander?

A surgeon places the expander beneath or near the chest tissues during reconstruction. At follow-up visits, sterile fluid may be added through its filling port so the surrounding skin and soft tissue stretch gradually. The expander is later exchanged for an implant or another reconstructive option, depending on your plan.

The device can feel firm or tight, particularly after a fill. Its suitability depends on the operation, skin condition, previous or planned radiotherapy, healing, and your overall health. Your surgeon can explain whether the device is appropriate for your anatomy and goals.

Keep every surgical and expansion appointment, take medicines exactly as prescribed, and follow instructions about dressings, bathing, movement, and support garments. Do not press, puncture, or attempt to adjust the expander yourself. Let the team know about increasing pain, changes in the wound, or concerns about its position.

Ask when gentle arm movement can begin and which lifting or exercise limits apply. Healing can take time, and the schedule for fills may change if the skin is tight or the wound needs longer to recover.

Contact your surgical team promptly for spreading redness, warmth, drainage, wound opening, fever, sudden swelling, a marked change in shape, or pain that is worsening rather than settling. Seek emergency care for severe breathing difficulty, fainting, or signs of a serious allergic reaction.

Ask where the expander will sit, how fills are performed, when exchange surgery may be considered, how radiotherapy could affect the plan, what activities are restricted, and which symptoms require a same-day call.