Using body fat for reconstruction, Why will my doctor not do it?

Katski

I am 60 years old, 5'2" and weight 190.  I am overweight and I know this.  My PS said because I am overweight using my own body fat is out of the question.  Does anyone know the reasoning behind this?

Leah_S

Krazykat,  though I've heard (rarely) a PS who won't do autologous tissue recon for overweight women, I've never heard the reason. I've also heard about heavy women who have this recon, so I suggest you ask your PS to explain his reasoning, and also seek a second opinion.

Best of luck.

Leah

besa

You need a 2nd opinion of this one --- go to a VERY experienced microvascular surgeon, someone who has done 1000s of these surgeries when not in training and does them on a regular basis.  I would travel if you have to.  There are more risks of complications with being overweight but the other thing that may be coming into play is that plastic surgeons tend to recommend the type of reconstruction they are technically able to do and downplay or disparage, or otherwise discourage other options.  You may be dealing with this.   Post this question on the "Nola in September" thread.  There are other VERY experienced doctors  (doctors with international reputations) -- and the women on "NOLA in September"  can give you their names.  Also you can post this question on Dr. Dellacroce's "ask the doctor" question and  answer board.  He is a NOLA doctor (very experienced). 

http://members.boardhost.com/plastic

Del11

The surgeons at PRMA just published a paper that said the concerns about overweight women and autologous breast reconstruction are unfounded, in their experience. You might want to send Dr. C at PRMA a message and ask him about it.  Most doctors will not do the surgery on someone that has a BMI over 31, but I think PRMA regularly does the surgery on women who are heavier than that.  I think the concern has to do with wound healing.

besa

Thanks jeskachi! -  Didn't know about the PRIMA publication.  Sounds like the risks may not be any higher. 

Del11

Here's a link to the article:  http://www.mdnews.com/news/2012_10/breast-reconstruction-for-obese-patients

Jennt28

I am 47yrs, 5'8" and was 198lbs (damn genetics) going into my bilateral free TRAM five weeks ago. I have no co-morbidities ie: no diabetes etc. No problems during surgery and no problems with recovery or healing.



My PS is very experienced with this surgery and never expressed any concerns about my weight. In fact I don't recall he ever asked me what I weighed - just assessed me verbally and visually for suitability.



Before surgery I was on the treadmill and crosstrainer to get myself as fit as possible for the surgery.



After surgery I am down to 190lbs :-)



Jenn

Angelrose

I am also overweight. I saw a PS last winter who would not do a TRAM sugery on me because of my weight. He said there is too much risk of hernia. I looked around and found a PS who does DIEP in my area and she had no problem with my weight. Only said I needed to be active to strengthen my heart and absolutely no smoking.  I'm having the surgery next week:)

Beckers

I have a BMI of 31 and had successful free TRAM in August. No healing issues in abdomen and good strength in ab muscles.Very happy with results.

buray2355

I am looking to get DIEP soon, but not sure who to use. I am also a patient of Kansas City Cancer Center South. I just wanted to ask how your surgery turned out? Also, did you have any post op problems? I hope I'm not being intrusive.