Breast Reconstruction with Tissue Expansion in Houston, TX | Murillo Plastic Surgery
Looking for a gradual, implant-based option to restore your breasts after a mastectomy? At Murillo Plastic Surgery, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Carlos Murillo offers a proven, staged approach that gently prepares your body for a natural-looking result through a technique called breast reconstruction with tissue expansion. This approach to breast reconstruction involves placing a temporary tissue expander beneath the chest muscle, which is gradually filled over time to stretch the skin and create space for a future implant. It’s a great option for women who may not be candidates for flap-based reconstruction or who prefer a less invasive route.
Based in Houston, Dr. Murillo is known for his thoughtful care and surgical excellence. Women from The Woodlands, Sugar Land, Katy, and across Texas trust him to guide them through reconstruction with clarity, compassion, and confidence. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or exploring your options after a mastectomy, Dr. Murillo is here to help you heal and restore yourself on your terms.
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What Is Breast Reconstruction with Tissue Expansion?
Breast reconstruction with tissue expansion takes a staged approach, meaning it happens in stages, which allows your body to gradually prepare for implant-based reconstruction following a mastectomy. A breast reconstruction with tissue expansion begins with the placement of a tissue expander, or a temporary device that is inserted beneath the chest muscle or skin. Over the course of several weeks, the expander is slowly filled with saline or air during routine office visits, gently stretching the skin and soft tissue to create space for a future implant.
This approach offers flexibility and control, making it an excellent option for women who prefer a less invasive reconstruction or who may not be candidates for flap-based procedures due to inadequate abdominal tissue. It also allows for delayed reconstruction, which can be beneficial if additional cancer treatments like radiation are necessary before completing the process.
Dr. Carlos Murillo customizes every tissue expansion treatment plan to suit your anatomy, healing timeline, and aesthetic goals. Whether the expander is placed under the muscle (submuscular) or above it (prepectoral), Dr. Murillo uses advanced techniques and supportive materials to ensure optimal comfort and results.
What Can You Expect During Your Breast Reconstruction with Tissue Expansion Consultation?
At Murillo Plastic Surgery, your breast reconstruction journey begins with compassion, clarity, and expert guidance from Dr. Carlos Murillo and our dedicated medical team. We understand that considering reconstruction after mastectomy is a deeply personal decision, and we’re committed to helping you explore your options with confidence and support.
For patients interested in tissue expansion, consultations are typically scheduled within one to two days of your initial call. During your visit, Dr. Murillo will take the time to understand your unique story, from diagnosis to treatment goals, and walk you through the staged process of implant-based reconstruction.
Here’s what you can expect during your consultation:
- You’ll meet directly with Dr. Murillo to discuss your medical history, cancer treatment timeline, and reconstruction preferences.
- Dr. Murillo will assess your chest wall, skin quality, and overall health to determine if tissue expansion is the right fit for you.
- You’ll learn how the expander works, what the expansion process involves, and how it compares to other reconstruction options like flap procedures.
- Your treatment plan will be tailored to your anatomy, healing timeline, and aesthetic goals, with clear guidance on each stage of the process.
- Our experienced staff will assist with insurance questions, scheduling logistics, and post-operative care so you can focus on healing.
Ideal Candidates for Breast Reconstruction with Tissue Expansion
Candidates for breast reconstruction typically include individuals who have undergone or are planning to undergo a mastectomy, or those who have experienced trauma or congenital conditions affecting the breasts. Reconstruction can be performed immediately after mastectomy or delayed until cancer treatment is complete.
Ideal candidates for reconstruction should:
- Be in overall good health, with no conditions that may impair healing
- Be non-smokers or willing to quit smoking prior to surgery
- Have realistic expectations about the process and outcomes
- Desire restoration of breast shape, symmetry, and confidence
For tissue expansion and implant-based reconstruction, patients should have sufficient skin and chest wall integrity to support the expansion process. At Murillo Plastic Surgery, Dr. Murillo conducts a thorough evaluation of each patient’s anatomy, medical history, and personal goals. Every surgical plan is customized to prioritize safety, aesthetics, and long-term satisfaction. Whether you’re seeking a gradual implant-based approach or a natural tissue solution, Dr. Murillo is here to guide you with clarity, compassion, and surgical excellence.
Breast Reconstruction with Tissue Expansion: How It’s Done
Step 1: Placement of the Tissue Expander
During the initial surgery, a temporary tissue expander is placed beneath the skin and above the muscle. This balloon-like device is designed to slowly stretch the skin and soft tissue over time, creating space for a future implant.
Step 2: Expansion Process
In the weeks following surgery, the expander is gradually filled with saline during routine office visits. This process is carefully monitored to ensure comfort and optimal skin expansion. Dr. Murillo adjusts the pace based on your healing progress and aesthetic goals. Expansion typically involves weekly visits for 4-6 weeks. However, these can be lengthened depending on the patient’s comfort and timeline to final implant placement.
Step 3: Implant Exchange Surgery
Once the desired volume is reached and the skin has adequately stretched, a second surgery is scheduled to remove the expander and insert a permanent breast implant. If there is significant excess breast tissue and the patient is cleared by oncology services, the final implant surgery could take place within a few weeks of the last expansion visit. However, if the breast tissue is tight around the implant at the final expansion visit, the tissue expander will remain in place for 4-6 weeks before the final implant is placed. Tightness of the remaining tissue could be due to the desired size of the implant and/or skin removed during the initial mastectomy. Radiated tissue is also tight. Patients will be required to abstain from surgery for a minimum of 6 months prior to final implant placement. However, the tissue expander can be filled after radiation is completed. Together, you and Dr. Murillo will select your desired implant type, size, and placement to match your anatomy and preferences, ensuring a natural, symmetrical result.
Step 4: Refinement Procedures (If Necessary)
Additional procedures, such as nipple reconstruction, fat grafting, or adjustments for symmetry, can be performed later to refine your final outcome. These enhancements are tailored to your goals and performed with the same meticulous attention to detail. Throughout the entire process, Dr. Murillo and his team provide ongoing support, education, and coordination to ensure your experience is smooth, empowering, and aligned with your vision for restoration.
Why Women Choose Murillo Plastic Surgery
At Murillo Plastic Surgery, we offer more than just technical skill. We offer a sanctuary of healing, compassion, and unwavering support for women facing some of life’s most difficult moments.
Dr. Carlos Murillo is a board-certified plastic surgeon and Associate Clinical Professor at University of Texas Houston, recognized across Texas and beyond for his expertise in complex breast reconstruction procedures. Dr. Murillo listens without rushing, explains without confusing, and empowers every woman to feel in control of her journey.
A native Texan who speaks Spanish as his first language, Dr. Murillo understands the importance of clear, respectful communication. He and his team are proud to serve a multicultural community with fluency in Spanish, and we’re expanding services in Vietnamese and Arabic to meet the growing need among international and non-English-speaking patients.
Women from all over Texas, across the U.S., and overseas come to us because we offer something rare in medicine: expert care delivered with kindness, efficiency, and genuine human connection.
At Murillo Plastic Surgery, breast reconstruction is a cornerstone of what we do. We’re honored to help women heal not just physically, but emotionally so that they can reclaim their confidence, femininity, and strength.
Carlos Murillo, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
What Sets Us Apart:
- Timely Access to Care: We schedule most breast reconstruction consultations within 24–48 hours. When you’re dealing with cancer, you shouldn’t have to wait.
- In-Network with Major Insurance Providers: Unlike many plastic surgery practices, we work directly with most commercial insurance plans to make your care more accessible and affordable.
- Global and Multicultural Patient Support: We proudly welcome patients from all backgrounds and offer personalized care in multiple languages with culturally sensitive communication.
- Personalized Communication: You can email our practice directly and expect a same-day response. Dr. Murillo believes every patient deserves timely answers and constant reassurance.
- Integrated Surgical Coordination: As the lead reconstructive provider for numerous major hospital systems in Houston, we collaborate closely with your breast surgeon, oncologist, and care team to create seamless, coordinated treatment.
- Elegant, Private Office Setting: Located on the 8th floor of the Women’s Hospital, our office overlooks the Texas Medical Center and offers a peaceful, private environment where you’ll be treated with respect and dignity.
What Can You Expect on the Day of Your Breast Reconstruction with Tissue Expansion
Your reconstruction journey unfolds in two thoughtfully planned stages, each designed to support your healing and aesthetic goals with precision and care.
Stage One: Tissue Expansion Surgery
You’ll begin your day at your preferred Houston Hospital. Our warm and attentive patient coordinator will guide you through the final check-in and pre-operative steps. Once you’re settled, Dr. Murillo will meet with you to review your personalized surgical plan and answer any last-minute questions. He’ll use a skin-safe surgical marker to make precise markings on your chest, guiding the placement of the tissue expanders.
Right before surgery, a board-certified anesthesiologist will administer general anesthesia so you can rest peacefully. Dr. Murillo will assist the breast surgeon in initial incisions on the breast and removal of the breast tissue. The expander will be placed at this time, and the skin will be closed by Dr. Murillo. If the tissue expander is not placed at the time of mastectomy, Dr. Murillo will create an incision through the initial mastectomy scar. This will prevent further scarring on the skin. The skin will be lifted from the chest wall, and a tissue expander secured in place. These expanders will gradually stretch the skin and soft tissue over time to prepare for implant placement.
The procedure typically lasts 1 to 2 hours, and most patients return home the same day or after a short overnight stay. You’ll receive detailed post-operative instructions and begin follow-up visits to monitor healing and start the expansion process, which involves small, incremental saline fills over several weeks.
Stage Two: Implant Placement Surgery
Once your tissue has expanded to the desired volume and contour, you’ll return for the second stage of your reconstruction: implant placement. This surgery is typically scheduled several weeks to months after the expansion phase is complete, depending on your oncology plan.
On the day of your implant exchange, Dr. Murillo will review your implant selection and discuss how it will be positioned to achieve your desired shape and symmetry.
Under general anesthesia, he’ll remove the tissue expanders and insert the permanent implants, sculpting the breast mound with precision and artistry. The procedure usually takes 1 to 2 hours, and most patients go home the same day.
Recovery from implant placement is generally quicker than the initial expansion surgery, and you’ll receive personalized guidance to support your healing and long-term results. Our team will be with you every step of the way, ensuring your experience is smooth, empowering, and centered around your goals.
Breast Reconstruction with Tissue Expansion and Implant Insertion Recovery
Healing is a journey—and we’re with you every step of the way. Recovery from tissue expansion and implant-based breast reconstruction is typically smooth and well-supported, with each phase tailored to your comfort, safety, and long-term results.
The Expansion Phase (Stage One Recovery)
If you’re recovering from tissue expander placement, you’ll begin the expansion process within 1 to 2 weeks after your initial surgery. During the expansion process, you’ll arrive at Dr. Murillo’s office to have saline gradually added to the expanders during brief office visits, typically every 1 to 2 weeks. Each fill takes just a few minutes and may cause mild tightness or stretching sensations. This phase continues until the desired breast volume and contour are achieved, usually over several weeks.
During this time, you’ll be encouraged to rest, avoid strenuous activity, and wear your surgical bra as directed. Most patients can return to light daily activities within a few days and resume work within 1 to 2 weeks.
Implant Exchange Recovery (Stage Two)
Recovery after implant placement is generally quicker and more comfortable than the expansion phase. You may experience mild swelling, bruising, or tenderness for a few days. Most patients feel well enough to return to light activity within a week and resume full activity after 4 to 6 weeks. Final results begin to settle within a few months, revealing a soft, natural contour. Dr. Murillo will provide detailed post-op instructions, including how to care for incisions, manage discomfort, and recognize signs of healing. Follow-up visits will ensure everything is progressing beautifully.
Why Choose Murillo Plastic Surgery in Houston, TX for Your Breast Reconstruction with Tissue Expansion
Choosing Murillo Plastic Surgery means entrusting your care to a team that blends surgical excellence with genuine compassion. Led by Dr. Carlos Murillo, a board-certified plastic surgeon and Associate Clinical Professor at the University of Texas at Houston, our practice is rooted in a deep commitment to restoring our patients’ physical form and their emotional well-being.
Dr. Murillo is nationally recognized for his expertise in microsurgical breast reconstruction. His approach is meticulous and personalized, ensuring that every surgical plan reflects the unique goals and needs of each patient. What sets him apart is not only his technical skill but also his ability to connect with patients on a human level by actively listening, understanding, and guiding them through one of the most transformative journeys of their lives.
Our entire medical team shares this philosophy. From your first consultation to your final follow-up, you will experience care that is thoughtful, culturally sensitive, and centered around your comfort and confidence. With services available at 15 hospitals across Houston and Greater Houston, we make world-class care accessible and convenient. Dr. Murillo is fluent in Spanish and actively expanding outreach to the Vietnamese-speaking community, fostering an inclusive environment where every patient feels seen, heard, and supported.
Schedule Your Breast Reconstruction with Tissue Expansion Consultation Today!
Your story deserves to be honored with care that is as thoughtful and transformative as the journey itself. Whether you’re exploring your options or ready to move forward with breast reconstruction, Dr. Murillo and the Murillo Plastic Surgery team are here to guide you with expertise, compassion, and unwavering support.
Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward healing, renewal, and reclaiming your confidence. Call us at (832) 582-8114 or complete our online consultation form to set up your consultation with Dr. Murillo and start your journey reclaiming your body, mind, and spirit through transformative surgery.
Breast Reconstruction with Tissue Expansion and Implant Exchange FAQs — Houston, TX
What is tissue expansion and implant-based breast reconstruction?
This two-stage reconstruction involves placing a tissue expander beneath the skin after mastectomy. Over time, the expander is gradually filled with saline to stretch the skin and create space for a permanent implant, which is placed during a second surgery.
How long does each stage of surgery take?
Tissue expander placement typically takes 1 to 2 hours. The implant exchange procedure usually lasts 1 to 2 hours as well. Both procedures are performed under general anesthesia.
What are the benefits of this reconstruction method?
Our patients appreciate the shorter operative time and recovery compared to flap-based procedures. It also allows for more control over breast size and shape and avoids donor site incisions on the abdomen or back.
Will the reconstructed breast match my natural breast?
While symmetry is a key goal, some differences may be present initially. Revision procedures and nipple-areola tattooing can help refine the final result and enhance balance.
How common is tissue expansion and implant reconstruction?
This is one of the most widely performed methods of breast reconstruction in the U.S., especially for patients seeking a less invasive option or those not eligible for flap surgery.
What is the success rate of this approach?
When performed by experienced plastic surgeons, tissue expansion and implant reconstruction have a high success rate and low complication profile. Most patients are satisfied with their outcomes.
Can this reconstruction be done at the same time as mastectomy?
Yes, tissue expanders can be placed immediately during mastectomy or delayed until after cancer treatment is finished, depending on your medical needs and preferences.
Is this procedure covered by insurance?
Under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act, most insurance plans cover breast reconstruction after mastectomy, including tissue expansion and implant placement.