[Breast reconstruction with expander prostheses]

Breast reconstruction with tissue expanders is a technique that has been known to clinical practice since 1978. The authors present their clinical experience in the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Service of the Virgen del Camino Hospital from 1980 to 2005. They describe breast reconstruction using tissue expanders and the evolution towards immediate breast reconstruction with durable expanders prostheses, which resemble conventional breast prostheses and try to emulate the extirpated breast. They provide an historical review of the repercussion of mastectomy and breast reconstructive surgery in the different professional and social areas, as well as the change in mentality of society and health professionals that has benefited patients. The characteristics of post-mastectomy breast reconstruction, using expanders prostheses, are set out, as well as its advantages and drawbacks.