Failed Reconstruction - How do I get flat now?

fralaliso

Failed Reconstruction - How do I get flat now?

fralaliso

Hi Everyone,

I had a BMX and failed TUG flapped reconstruction one week ago today.

I have decided not to pursue any other reconstruction at this point. I have a few questions about going flat/using a prosthesis.

1. I am concave now with lumps of (skin? fluid?) above and below my incision. Will this ever flatten on its own?

2. Is there something I should be doing now (compression? haven't worn any compression garment since my bmx) to help me get flat?

3. If surgery is required to help me get flat, how involved is that? Just one surgery?

4. At what point does it make sense to shop for a prosthesis? Seems like it would be best to wait until swelling is down and I see what my "normal" chest area looks like? Does that makes sense? How long does that typically take?

Thanks for any information you can share.

Morwenna

They usually like you to wait to get a silicone prosthetic for at least 6 weeks and when all the swelling has settled down. Meanwhile if you wanted to wear something soft like a genie bra, they usually provide you with a softie post surgical prosthesis to fill it.

Surely the surgeon is the best person to answer the rest of your questions ......

So sorry to hear your recon failed. I am less than 3 weeks post tram, and it was my biggest fear ...... Gentle hugs to you

Kittybelle

I'm so sorry! I had BMX, no recon on 1/14, so just a couple of days ahead of you. I think only your surgeon can answer your specific questions, but I do have swelling above and below my incisions and my understanding is this could take a few weeks to completely resolve. I was told I can use compression if I want. I don't know if it helps with getting flat, but it feels good. Have you been to breastfree.org and flatandfabulous.org? Lots of good info and women who've been through similar issues

Homer14

I had BMX on 1/16 as well but with no recon. Just had my drains removed yesterday. BS said another week of compression garment (24/7 except for bathing) to help flatten/prevent swelling. So far so good. After another week of compression, I will see about trying the soft foobs. Fitting for prosthesis will be in about 6 weeks. Best of luck fralaliso, I will be thinking of you.

Erica3681

Sorry you've been through this. Your doctor could probably tell you whether what you're seeing at this point is fluid or actual lumpiness. Sometimes with fluid (if there's enough), you can sense it sloshing around a bit. Once you've healed for a while (I'm talking months, not weeks), if the area is still lumpy, you could consult a plastic surgeon about doing a "revision" of the surgery site, to make it as flat and smooth as possible. This is usually a pretty minor outpatient procedure and most women who've had it done are happy with the results.

As for compression, different surgeons feel differently about this. Many do recommend compression after a mastectomy without reconstruction. Mine did not and I healed just fine. Your case is a little different, in that you had a failed flap, so you should definitely call your surgeon about this -- there may be special considerations making it either a good or a bad idea to use compression.

fralaliso

Thanks everyone for sharing your thoughts and info. I'm meeting with my PS early next week and my BS later in the week so will definitely be asking them these questions as well. Thanks for all the good thoughts and gentle hugs!

Adaptecss

hi

I had a failed tram flap, the scar took about 6 months to settle to what it will likely be... I suggest u see if there's an anaplastologist in your area who can make you a custom made lightweight prosthetic which will fit in the chest cavity... I'm in Canada, got it covered by private insurance, done by Irene healey in Toronto, company is new attitude... She is fantastic, sculpted me a beautiful rightbreast, wish I went for this instead of trying a flap. Look her up! It feels normal..