Best surgery for umx?

nsweeney43

hello!

I am excited to be starting my reconstruction journey now that everything else is in the rear view! I had a unilateral mastectomy in July of last year. I have had a tissue expander since, but my other breast was always a c cup. My other breast is on the saggy side and it need some work to be matched with the other side.

If I choose to have an implant exchange, my PS said that i would need a lift and possibly a reduction because my natural breast is still a tad bigger than the other side. I am worried I'm not gonna like the outcome.

The tummy flap surgeries he said I shouldn't do especially if I plan on having kids, which I do plan on it if I am able!

He said if I choose to do the last flap he could build up my breast and add more volume and then lift and put an implant on the other breast. I have the biggest expander they make and it's filled to about 900 ccs.

I just don't know what to choose, and I want to be happy with the outcome! I am so nervous about not liking it after going through the surgery. Please tell me your thoughts, especially if you have gone through reconstruction after an umx. Thank you!

besa

I do not know the what recon method would be best but --- in terms of information about pregnancy and DIEP... See section about pregnancy in the breastcancer.org link directly below. Possibly time for a second opinion.....

http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/surgery/reco...

Another place to post questions about pregnancy (and other questions) is Dr. Dellacroce's ( a high volume microvascular ps) "ask the doctor" web site. - link below:

http://members.boardhost.com/plastic/

General info that may help :

Reconstruction is a different skill set than cosmetic enhancements so try to find a ps who does mainly recon (and does whatever type of recon you want in in high volume and on a regular basis.) Know that there are some ps that recommend the type of recon they are technically able to do and don't mention other options or even disparage them. Also it is usual to be able to speak to former patients - try to see their results in person if possible. I think it is a red flag if you request and are not given contact info for former patients. Anyone who is good will have many happy "customers" who have signed releases and will be more than willing to talk to new patients.

A good source of info is the latest edition (I think it is at least the 3rd edition) of Kathy Steligo's "Breast Reconstruction Guidebook." The best I have seen on the topic.

http://www.breastcancer.org/community/gift-shop/bo...

http://www.breastrecon.com/index.html