After nipple recons How do they access to exchange implant?

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Rosa_Aurora184161
Rosa_Aurora184161 Member Posts: 73
edited April 2016 in Breast Reconstruction

I'm wondering how a PS gets access to an implant to change it (due to rupture or other issues) if the nipple and areaola is recosntructed? I mean, how do they do it without ruining, damaging the reconstructed and tattoed nipple and areola? Thanks

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  • geewhiz
    geewhiz Member Posts: 1,439
    edited January 2016

    They make an incision elsewhere...like in the armpit or in the inframammary fold just under the breast

  • Rosa_Aurora184161
    Rosa_Aurora184161 Member Posts: 73
    edited March 2016

    I wonder if they'd be able to use the preexisting mastectomy scar ( transeveral scar on the centre of breast) without damaging the reconstructed nipple and tattoed?

  • macb04
    macb04 Member Posts: 1,433
    edited April 2016

    Hello,

    I had my implant exchanged after I had nipple reconstruction to a larger implant with greater projection so it matches my other breast better. My PS traced out on my skin the location of where my areola should be tattooed, then he made an incision along the bottom edge of it with, a curve, with the top part meeting up with the original scar line which had to be fixed anyway. If I could draw it it would make better sense.

    Ideally I should have had the nipple done after I was happy with the implant, but I awoke from the TE/Implant exchange knowing he had made it too small. Then I had a lift to my other side. That helped with how it looked, but not enough. It looked like I had the breasts of two different women on my chest. My PS, who I like alot, had made a mistake in choosing an implant that was way too small and flat, he used some screwy computer program that estimated what size to put in, obviously it was not accurate. So finally I decided that Ihad to get the implant replaced with a larger one. Went from a 420cc Mentor Anatomic Implant, moderate profile to a 495cc Mentor high profile Anatomic silicone implant. Looks much better, I am 5 weeks post op, much better balance. Also my implant is OVER my pectoral muscle, have a bunch of posting about this if you are curious. Way more comfortable this way than under my pectoral, did it both ways so I know.



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