Skin Nipple sparring immediate reconstruction recovery?

LindyL

I was just diagnosed with DCIS, grade 3. I'm really leaning towards dbl mx with immediate reconstruction, possibly using abdominal fat for fill. Since I'm 40 with two small children, I don't think I want to worry about having this again. If anyone has chosen this route, I'm trying to find out more about recovery, pain associated with having the skin-sparring procedure with immediate reconstruction. I really think I would rather do that then have a lumpectomy, radiation, and more worry for the rest of my life.

Beesie

Lots of women have had this type of reconstruction but many are not DCIS women so they may not see your post here. I'd suggest that you go onto the Reconstruction Forum and look for discussion threads that talk about specifically about DIEP and TRAM reconstruction. Nipple sparing mastectomies can be done with implants and the surgery, pain and recovery from implant nipple sparing reconstruction is completely different than it is for autologous nipple sparing reconstruction. The biggest factor is the type of reconstruction (autologous vs. implant), not that it's skin and nipple sparing. 

barbara510

Hi Lindy,

I was in a similar situation as you, 40 with two small kids and multi-focal DCIS in one breast. I chose a DMX because I didn't want to worry that it would come back. I'm glad I did. I had an nipple sparing immediate reconstruction using aloderm and saline implants. I think they look great. There is a chance it can come back in my nipples, but I will be diligent in giving myself self exams. The surgery was painful, but after the drains came out, it got a lot better. My sister had a mastectomy with reconstruction in one breast and unfortunately her boobs do not match at all. This also helped my decision to do them both. 

I'm sure being in Orlando you can find a great plastic surgeon who can do this for you. I think using your own fat is a great idea too. I guess I didn't have enough abdominal fat to do this, which I was surprised about, but am happy with the aloderm and implants. Despite the pain and worry you have to go though, this has really changed my life for the better. I am taking better care of myself and appreciate my life so much more. It sucks to have to go though, but be thankful it is DCIS and not a more aggressive type of breast cancer. 

sorry you have to go through this and best of luck to you.

Barbara