Skin Sparing Mastectomy

Anonymous

Skin Sparing Mastectomy

Anonymous

Any survivors out there that underwent "skin-sparing mastectomy"?  I didn't know what that was or even heard of it at the time of my surgery and I don't think the surgeons in my area are trained to do it.  This type of surgery leaves no scars across the breasts --instead the breast and cancer tissue is scraped out through an incision under the ribs or armpit.  I'd like to know if there are cases that are definitely NOT candidates for skin-sparing and what determines that, i.e. surgeons' skills, preference, diagnosis, etc. 

Shelly

Bugs

I always thought skin sparing meant that they left more skin tissue for reconstruction.  Never heard of the no scar bit.   Interesting!

Colette37

I had a skin sparing mx, on both sides, but it was not under the breast, it was where my nipples were.  2 weeks later I had recon started on my right side, and the rest of the tissue and some muscle on my left side removed because the the DCIS was so close to my chest wall.

JENNA32

I had a double mastectomy with skin sparing.My surgeon I was told was a specialst and that not all surgeons will do this.I got a second opinon and asked if my odds of recurrence would be higher if I kept my nipples.I was told no for a few reasons.The first is that the cancer was lobular is it was far enough from my nipple and also I had  seven weeks of radiation which included that area.I had 5 positive Lymph nodes so the only scar is under my right arm.They removed the lymph nodes and all the tissue from one location same scar on left but not as long(no cancer on that side)

hopeful34

I had a skin spaing mastectomy also, and I definitely have scars.  My scars are across where my nipples were.  They are about 6 inches each across.  I wanted to try nipple sparing mast. but they said the skin tissue of the nipple would develop necrosis and eventually die.  I see now, that isn't always the case, but too late now.  Anyway, I don't know anything about a scarless procedure. 

Joviangeldeb

I, too, had a left side skin sparing modified radical mastectomy.  My scar is about 6 inches and is where my nipple used to be.  My surgeon left enough skin if I ever decide to have an implant.  I've chosen not too, though. I was not a candidate for breast reconstruction at the time of my diagnosis due to recent hysterectomy.  I haven't heard about the scarless procedure either.  Hmmm.

Shrek4

I had skin-sparing on both breasts and nipple/areola sparing on the left (prophylactic). Lost the nipple/areola due to infection. It blistered all over from the laser-style scalpel they use and then got infected. The scars were straight down from my areola to the bottom of the breast - can't really be seen now, 8 months after surgery.