mastectomey with reconstructive surgery..

Everafter2011

My diagnosis was in October 2017. Double biopsy followed by a lumpectomy followed by yet another double biopsy. Now we are to a mastectomy with reconstruction . My Dr. referred me to a plastic surgeon.. that's where my problems start.. after meeting with the plastic surgeon today I am left completely confused, frustrated and  questioning EVERY decision made to this point. Pretty much EVERYTHING my Dr. told me they would be able to do the plastic surgeon has said she will be unable to do. I have opted for just the side needed as my Dr. said it could be a nipple sparing surgery which is great for the reconstruction . Now the plastic surgen says that's wrong and it wont match AT ALL. I am a very heavy C and all the pictures they show you are of small busted women who goy implants on both sides. I am looking for someone who is bustier but only had one side done. I have to have implants as I have previous scarring on tummy hat makes flap unavailable. Pease HELP!!

 

Lula73

I can’t help with the implant questions, but it sounds like you’ve at least thought about flap recon. Did a PS who does DIEP flap evaluate you and tell you that DIEP wasn’t possible? (Very important Key words in that question: “Who does DIEP flap”). I’ve had 2 open abdominal surgeries and had DIEP no problem. there is also SGAP which uses upper hip/lower buttocks. I was a 36C/D before surgery, came out a 36D/DD and now am back to 36C/D after stage 2. Very happy with the results. I’ve also seen even larger chested women who have had it done as well.

Let me know if any questions.Perhaps someone will chime in on the implant side being able to match the natural side. Symmetry was one of the many reasons I chose BMX.

Moderators

Dear Everafter2011,

Welcome to the community. We are sorry that your breast cancer and all that has followed has brought you here but you have come to a supportive and informed community of others who can share their experiences and hopefully lighten your load. You may want to check out the Reconstruction Forum and review the topics there or start a new one. You may find others with experiences you are looking for there. The Mods

Fembot

Everafter2011 I had similar conversations with my doctors. The surgeon’s job is to remove the diseased tissue. He/she is not an expert in reconstruction. Only the plastic surgeon can say from experience which reconstruction offers the best result for your body.

I had a skin-sparing mastectomy on 1 side, with immediate implant reconstruction. Prior to surgery i was a 36C/D with some droop.

My general surgeon thought a nipple sparring mastectomy was possible for me but my plastic surgeon said not a good idea. I would have had to go up to DD to save the nipple and that’s too big for my 5’5” frame. Some women at that size have reductions because of back pain. If she had saved the nipple it would have ended up too low. After mastectomy the new breast sits higher while the natural breast is much lower. The new breast has upper fullness but the natural boob is mainly full on the bottom; this happens as we age. Also the natural breast changes size when one looses/gains weight. The fake breast stays the same.

Here is a helpful link in addition to the Reconstruction Forum link from the admins above