The expansion process typically takes three to four months. After the skin is sufficiently stretched, the surgeon will replace the expander with a permanent breast implant. Also called tissue expander. Also called suckling or nursing. Also called mastalgia.
Many prostheses resemble the body's own weight and touch.
A breast implant or the woman's own tissue provides the contour. If desired, the nipple and areola may also be re-created. Reconstruction can usually be done at the time of mastectomy or any time later. Also called reduction mammoplasty. A technique of checking one's own breasts for lumps or suspicious changes.