Cancer Australia

Breast implants are usually made from silicone gel and are inserted onto the chest wall, underneath the muscle and skin of the chest. Before inserting the implant, a special bag, called a tissue expander, is inserted underneath the muscles on the chest wall. Over the next few weeks or months, fluid is injected into the bag about once a week to stretch the muscle and skin. When the expander bag has reached the right size, a second operation is performed to remove the bag, and the permanent implant is inserted.

Advantages of breast reconstruction using an implant:

• the operation is relatively simple
• hospital stays and recovery periods are usually quite short
• surgery and scarring is only in and around the breast area.

Disadvantages of breast reconstruction using an implant:

• the reconstructed breast may not be as natural looking as with other types of breast reconstruction
• scar tissue can form around the implant making the breast feel firm and uncomfortable
• the implant may have to be replaced later, or removed if there is an infection
• radiotherapy after an implant may cause the tissue around the implant to become harder and may make the implant appear smaller with time.