Immediate reconstruction?

etnasgrl

I have a question for you ladies....

As of right now, I am going to have a lumpectomy, followed by radiation. However, I am waiting on the results of my genetic testing. If it is positive, I will have to have a bilateral mastectomy. I've already met with the plastic surgeon to go over all my options. I'm REALLY hoping that the genetic testing is negative, but I do want to make plans in case it's not.
I am leaning towards a DIEP flap, but I'm pretty anxious. I know the surgery for that is LONG and the recovery can be pretty lengthy and rough.
Can anyone please share your experience with immediate reconstruction surgery? How did you feel after surgery? How was your recovery? Are you pleased with the results?

Thanks so much!

etnasgrl

Would anyone be willing to share their immediate reconstruction surgery experience with me??

Meadow

Etnasgrl, I had immediate recon, and then I had to have rads 3 mo later. I am very happy with the unradiated side, it is perfect. But as I feared, my radiated side does have shrinkage and encapsulation. My PS told me this would happen, I rolled the dice hoping it would not be that bad.And it is not that bad, just not right. I did not want a diep, the complicated surgery and perhaps lifelong healing time made that a no go for me. So if you do not have to have radiation, I think this is a wonderful recon option. I can have a revision, just havent wanted to do surgery, I am busy getting on with the good life. I hope this helps, and I hope you get more input from others soon. This is my experience with the one step immediate recon. Wishing you my best!

Meadow

I re read your post, I see you are having radiation. Hmmm, you will have shrinkage on the radiated side.

etnasgrl

I am only having radiation IF a lumpectomy is done.
If I test positive for the genetic testing, than I will have a double mastectomy, no radiation needed.

I have a plan in place for a lumpectomy. (And I'm aware of the shrinkage that will happen to my breast due to radiation.)
I just need to know about immediate reconstruction following a double mastectomy. I'm hoping I test negative, so this won't be an issue....but I would like to create a plan NOW in case it is, so I am prepared.

Please....any info, advice, experiences are welcome. Hearing from someone who has had immediate reconstruction after a double mastectomy would help SO much!
Thanks!

dtad

etnasgrl I had immediate one stage reconstruction with my BMX. I guess Im as happy as one could be after losing their breasts. I wanted to avoid the tissue expanders and a second surgery and for that I am grateful. Surgery was 8 hours and recovery was about 6 weeks. You can private message me if you want more details. I too wanted the DIEP but my PS was against it in my case. Good luck and keep us posted.....

CateM

I had prophylactic mastectomy with direct to implant reconstruction nearly 5 weeks ago. My surgery was nearly 8 hours and I only stayed in the hospital for 1 night.

I think if I had to pick one thing to mention is that your foobs will be quite firm and tight when you wake up in the hospital. In fact mine remain firm because my surgeon has kept me in a compression since the surgery. I've been doing my exercise daily, this has helped with my range of movement, I think the only thing I struggle with now is putting my arms behind my back as if to unfasten a bra. I left the hospital with 2 drains and I had them removed on day 3 post op. Dressings were completely removed on day 10. Pain wise the only discomfort is the actual drain sites. I was back to drive at about 2 weeks but I can't drive far (probably more than 30 mins) as my arms get really tired.

I was told not to lift anything heavier than 2lbs for the first 2 weeks and not to lift anything over 10lbs until 6 weeks. Each surgeon gives completely different advice so this will probably be different for you. I'm happy to answer any question you might have, either here on you can PM me.

Leslie13

I had a double BMX nipple sparing straight to implant surgery 6 weeks ago. I believe mine took 4 hours. I stayed a C and the results have been excellent. You need to be on the smaller side or willing to downsize a little. I already have full feeling in one breast. But this is using an anatomical implant.

If having a BMX means not having Rads in your case, then this is an option. I've heard too that radiation can prevent this surgery as the skin can't be damaged. The risk of necrosis is too high. Maybe if you have the surgery 3 months before. Radiation wasn't part of my treatment

I knew I wouldn't make it through the expansion process and be any larger. I have chronic pain and know I'd have wanted them out before I reached this size. My breasts were very tight the first 3 weeks, but getting better as the swelling goes down. My incisions are underneath, so the surgery will look more like an argumentation in time. I didn't want any incisions from my nipple to the side or bottom.

If your nipple needs to be moved, this type of surgery isn't possible. Can only have slight droopiness and probably no larger than a small D. I could be wrong about size. But you'd have to be that size to begin with so enough skin.

There's a fairly high failure rate (over 25%) so you want the best surgeons you can get. Both the breast and plastic surgeon need to specialize in breast surgery as it takes some microsurgery techniques. Make sure they've done quite a few before picking them.

Good luck