The Process for Extra Large Breast Implants Over 1100 cc

Dr. Foster has been performing extra large breast implants at the Tahoe Clinic for several years. For implants over 1100 cc, the procedure requires placing the breast expanders prior to the actual implants. The PMT Corporation in the United States makes these expanders in all sizes up to 5000 cc. However, the cost of these expanders is quite high, at $3,000 a pair. The entire process requires at least three operations for the patients who already have breast implants.

The first operation involves removing the previous breast implants, enlarging the pockets, and placing the breast expanders. The expanders are then filled to the same size as the previous implants. It requires about a month of healing time before the incision is firm enough to begin stretching the skin. Thereafter, saline injections are administered through a numb spot on the skin. A small drop of Novocain is injected at first. The injections go into a leak-proof valve on the front of the expander that allows for 100 to 200 cc of injections every week. The surgeon needs to take care not to fill it more than the tissues can withstand. Excessive pressure can lead to a collapse of the blood vessels around the expander, causing interference with the healing process and making the patient susceptible to infection. Therefore, it is not advisable to expand more than 200 cc a week on any patient, and in some patients the limit may even be only 50 to 100 cc a week.

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