When do we discuss aesthetics?

SoozyCue

Before surgery, I was a 38 DDD. Being so large, I always had a little bit of side boob, and since I always try to find the silver lining, I thought that at least we could get rid of that during reconstruction. I asked during the initial consult, and he basically said that some would remain, but that they would pull as much as possible taut during final surgeries and that should help.

The tissue expanders, however, seem to be expanding things much further on the sides than I wanted, and a little bit of side boob that bothered me is now at least four times the size. I literally can't put my arms at my sides because that side boob area is so huge. I asked the surgeon during my first follow-up if the plan was still to get rid of that, and he kind of blew it off. He basically said that he will do the best he can.

All of this has me realizing that we never did discuss what I will wind up with at the very end. Having no experience in this area, I guess I thought that we would look at pictures or drawings or something so I could let him know what I was hoping for. Is any of that how it is done, or do I just let him do whatever he believes is best for my body?

I'm just so afraid that I'm going to go through all of the pain of the tissue expanders only to hate the result. Should he be talking to me more about the final result? If so, now at the very beginning or towards the end before exchange?

VegGal

It's not too late to get several more opinions. Measure twice, cut once!  I've observed that the women on this board who feel doubtful or dismissed by what their surgeons say or do are almost always the ones seeking re-dos later. I am one of those, by the way. 

SummerAngel

I agree with VegGal. My PS was very helpful, showed me many photos of his work on women with similar builds as mine, and addressed concerns right away. If I were in your shoes I would get another opinion, maybe two or three if there are enough options nearby.

Runrcrb

soozycue,

Based on your diagnosis date I assume you are just beginning this breast cancer marathon. Sorry that you find yourself here. Since you mention tissue expanders I also assume you just had a mastectomy. Do you know your treatment plan and final reconstruction plans - implant or flap?

I agree with the ladies above - second or more opinion to make sure you have the best plastic surgeon for YOU.

I had more side boob than I expected after reconstruction. I saw my PS three months post op and we discussed some revisions but not every thing. I saw him again seven months post op and at that point it was easier for the two of us to discuss the full revision plan - swelling was gone, I’d lived with the results for a while, etc. revision surgery was about four weeks later. Side boob gone