Who had this type of mastectomy? Or does everyone

LoverofJesus

I’m having a total or (simple) BMX with expanders in 5 days. Who has had this type of mastectomy? Did you have any problems with expanders or reconstruction after or implants after?? My surgeon is taking about a cm above the nipple and cm below. I guess he will cut kind of like a football I’m not sparing my nipples as I have the CHEK2 gene.

I’m just praying there will be enough skin left for implants.

Any wisdom on this would be appreciated.

Aram

Hi Lover,

I had BMX with immediate reconstruction. I was told if the lymph biopsy during surgery is positive, then they would put in expanders because I might need radiation and I won't be a candidate for immediate reconstruction. Do you know why they are not offering you imediate reconstruction?

exbrnxgrl

Using TE’s, tissue expanders, is most common with implant reconstruction, LOJ, if you check the reconstruction forum you will find many threads discussing this.

Aram, one step reconstruction, no TE’s, is much less common. It can usually only be done if you are having a skin sparing mx. The criteria for who is a suitable candidate for one step is much narrower. Additionally, not as many plastic surgeons are experienced in the one step procedure.*

LOJ, so in short, your recon is very typical but there is no “one” type of recon surgery that everyone gets. Besides implants there are also several types of flap surgeries too. Take care

* I had one step recon.

Aram

Thank you exbrnxgrl. I didn't know it is harder to do one step.

exbrnxgrl

You're welcome, aram! The major consideration is having skin sparing surgery. Many patients do not have skin sparing surgeries due to location of their tumor. Those of us who have had one step recon are a clear minority.