Reconstruction with an implant

People who have reconstruction using an implant usually have a device that is similar to a balloon (called an expander) inserted under a layer of muscle. At the same time, they have a piece of mesh called a graft sewn into the muscle. The graft keeps the muscle from being stretched too tightly. Over time, doctors add more and more fluid to the expander. That helps the muscle and skin on the chest stretch, so that it can hold an implant the same size as the other breast. The graft gets absorbed with time.