Reconstruction

Bigbluefish

I was told by my BS that a lumpectomy with radiation would be ok, but that I would probably need some type of reconstruction as my breasts are small and surgery might leave a noticeable divot. The plastic surgeon told me that from a cosmetic standpoint I would not be happy with lumpectomy as he did not believe he could get good results. (Think raisin with nipple off to the side!). He recommended NSM. With TE. Has anyone else been told this?? And what were your results. BS said its my choice. Both ok with her.

SpecialK

I had skin and nipple sparing bi-lateral mastectomy for the same reason - too much of the breast would have to be removed and my tumor was way over on the side - the breast would have looked caved in and the nipple would have been pointing toward the underarm. There are quite a few here who have had this type of surgery and if you have reconstruction and wish to stay on the smaller side you can also ask about direct to implant so that you skip the expander process and potentially that additional surgery. Do you have any specific questions regarding this type of mastectomy?

Bigbluefish

did you find the reconstruction to look ok with mastectomy? What about numbness? Thank you.

SpecialK

Yes, I did find the look aesthetically pleasing. I had expanders and was filled with 200ccs at the time of surgery, but did continue to fill additionally and eventually exchange. I woke up looking not all that different from prior to surgery and this was a big emotional boost. I am completely numb, and that is relatively universal. All of the nerves have been cut and the tissue removed, but some people do experience a return of feeling/sensation. In my experience on this board that is somewhat unusual though. Here are some photos that are pretty representative, although this is not my team of physicians. It is very important to use a plastic surgeon who has done hundreds of this type of procedure. In the interests of full disclosure, I did experience complications and did require additional surgery, but that is not the norm.

http://www.drscottspear.com/before-after-gallery-washington-dc/nipple-sparing-mastectomy/