Several fat grafting/surgeries after lumpectomy

Runninggal19

Greetings,

I am 7 years out after BC surgery, chemo, Rad. I have had my non-effected breast reduced with a fat grafting. I have also has an additional fat graft and scar release. Recently I went to my BC surgeon beacause I had a lump which ended up being necrotic fat. During the appointment she asked me about the PS I had on my breast. I told her I was unhappy, but didn't think there was anything that could be done. She asked if I wanted and referral to a PS and I agreed. I had the surgery and whilevthe results are better I had asked the PS about the potential for additional fullness and that it "appears" that nipple is lower. I had told myself that even if it was uncomfortable that I would bring it up. He said " this IS your 3rd one right?" and that I was bordering on " insanity " he then said " if you are having a problem to come back in 2 months" i felt horrible and still do, guilt, shame..embarrassment. I just want to be the best I can be. Not very welcoming. Is it me? I just want to look the best as possible. Is that wrong? Thank you.

Moderators

Dear Runninggal19,

Welcome to the BCO community. We are so sorry that you have had this experience and so glad that you reached out here to our members for their support and input. We hope that others will be along soon to be of help. Please stay active here and let us know how we can help you to navigate the community to make the most of what we have to offer.

The Mods

Meow13

Runninggal, I would go to a different plastic surgeon. There is nothing wrong with wanting a fix, don't let that idiot tell you that it is good enough.

I had a left simple mastectomy and I want to look like it never happened. I am 60 years old now and still "care" about my appearance. I have a plastic surgeon who is willing to make that happen for me. He did a fabulous job with DIEP. I had fat grafting as well but most of it gets reabsorbed. My surgeon wants me on a 5 year maintenance program. I think maybe 10 years would be ok.

Runninggal19

Thank you I really appreciate your feedback. I am 58 and I too still care very much how I look. It is important to me to be the best I can. I hope to find the strength and not feel bad about wanting to pursue another PC, and not have such terrible feelings about wanting to look good.

Meow13

I believe looking your best really helps emotionally with this disease. If you are anywhere near Seattle, my plastic surgeon strives for perfection. He wanted to do some more fat grafting last time I saw him but I think it looks pretty good. I told him maybe in a year or so.

Runninggal19

Meow 13,

Thank you so much! I appreciate your insight. I believe there is only one Breast PS at the clinic that I go to on the East Coast. This new PS has been there less than a year. There is improvement for sure, and yes over time the last two fat transfers that the other PS did morphed over time. It is hard to get a great result with an auxiliary node disection. Plus the effected breast is still significantly smaller and the nipple is lower. I workout, go to the gym, do yoga and do sprint triathalons and I am not happy with the way I look in a tank top and it bothers me. I know it would help me trememdously emotionally if my breasts were more symmetrical and I didn't have to pull one up manually when I have a sports bra on.

I see my MO next month and I can talk to her.

Thank you again so much for your support and comments it really helps