Why Do Breast Expanders Hurt?

Tissue expanders are temporary, expandable, balloon-like devices used after mastectomy to stretch breast skin and chest wall muscles so that the breast implants can be adequately accommodated. Because of the stretching involved, tissue expanders can be painful.

How long do breast expanders hurt?

If an expander was placed, salt water (saline) or air was added to it to start stretching your skin. Right after the surgery, you will probably feel weak, and you may feel pain for 2 to 3 weeks. You may have a pulling or stretching feeling in your breast area.

Why are breast expanders so uncomfortable?

The tissue expansion process is done after mastectomies to increase the submuscular space in preparation for the placement of permanent breast implant. The process is often believed to be painful by patients who are often intimidated by the prospect of mechanically stretching out their skin and muscle.