Once the mastectomy is performed, a tissue expander first stage of a reconstructive procedure usually takes about 45 minutes to one hour for each side. Typically patients will stay one to two nights in the hospital after this procedure. Some usually have two drains placed that will come out when the drainage is significantly low enough. Expansion can be started two to three weeks after surgery for most patients. This requires weekly office visits until the desired volume is achieved. Once completed, the second stage reconstruction to pale the permanent implant can be performed.