Breast Lift with lumpectomy? Yay or Nay?

GenjiC

After 6 rounds of chemo my cancer (Triple positive IDC with three affected lymph nodes) is not visible on the MRI or Mammogram and I have decided to do a lumpectomy. (Radiation to follow.) It is my choice if I want to do a Breast Lift at the same time as the lumpectomy, covered by insurance. I could certainly benefit from it and expect I would be happy with the results. I wonder if I would regret not taking advantage of the option. But any extra surgery means extra risks which scares me. I am 53 years old and not overly concerned about the symmetry (at least at this point before I see what it would look like after surgery!) I am truly undecided.

Wondering if anyone could share their experiences. Are you are happy you did it? Wish you had not done it? Didn't do it but wish you had? Didn't do it and happy you didn't?

Thanks so much!

striveforhealth

Hi GenjiC - I am scheduled to have a lumpectomy with oncoplastic lift and reduction to both breasts. My surgery is scheduled for Feb 26. It was a big decision to make so I gave it a lot of thought. In the end I like the prospect of being more comfortable by reducing the size, and heaviness of my breasts. The silver lining in this surgery for me is getting the lift. Just so you know, I would never have chosen to do a reduction or lift if not for my DCIS diagnosis and upcoming surgery. I have tolerated the discomfort for the better part of my adult life. My insurance pays for this reconstruction. Wishing you luck with making your decision. I would just mention that if you choose this direction ensure that your plastic surgeon has a lot of oncoplastic surgery experience with this procedure.

striveforhealth

Hello GenjiC I'm not sure what you decided to do for yourself, but I wanted to update you as I've had my surgery. On Feb 26 I had a lumpectomy with bilateral oncoplastic mammoplasty and all is well with me! The cancer was removed from my left breast by my breast surgeon and both breasts were reduced and lifted by a plastic surgeon with a lot of oncoplastic experience. They did a great job for me.

The surgery went very well, I experienced some pain that was controlled with percocet for 1 day and then extra strength Tylenol for a few days. I had minor discomfort from 2 drains which were removed 7 days later. My pathology report shows clean margins. I am healing well and feeling well. All in all, the entire experience was way better than I feared. I'm happy with my decision to have this surgery.

The breast lift was a bonus with this surgery option and I'm glad it was offered as an option. I am very pleased with how my breasts look. I had a bilateral reduction because my breasts were very large. My breasts are smaller and I'm happy with the new size. I already feel more comfortable not lugging around my large pendulous breasts and it's only been less than 2 weeks since the surgery.

Best wishes.