Implants on top of pecs. one step

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Lahh
Lahh Member Posts: 2
edited June 2014 in High Risk for Breast Cancer

Hi,

 I'm new to this forum, BRCA1, 44, and trying to find the right risk reducing measures for my lifestyle.

 I am interested in preserving all of the function of my pectoralis muscles which is problematic for both the one step and with expansion and implant placement.

I know that some doctors out there are placing implants over the pecs. I'm wondering who these docs. are and what the results are. Anyone who has had this done or is planning on this particular procedure, please post and let me know the details. I would be ever so greatful.

 I seem to be paralyzed by the current options that involve lots of surgery or cutting or stretching the pec. muscle since I'm an athlete and immensely sensitive to changes in my body.

Any info regarding a less invasive one step is appreciated. I'd be pleased to have my A breasts replaced with alloderm only if it was possible and of course, keep my nipples.

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  • Deirdre1
    Deirdre1 Member Posts: 1,461
    edited January 2009

    Hi Lahh, I did not have my implants placed over the pecs, I did want to but I was advised that if something showed up on the muscle wall it would be more difficult to see so I conceded to that, but I'm with you on keeping the nipples/areola.  But again I couldn't find a surgeon in my area who would do it, I did find several in San Francisco, and Dallas who would consider it so depending on where you are you may have to travel.. there are probably other places by now!  (I didn't go because my pcp was concerned that I would be too far away from him - but this traveling for reconstruction is becoming quite normal) Good luck I believe I would be feeling a lot more like myself if I had kept my nipples/areolas AND I would have been able to make the decision quicker so I hope you are able to find a doc.

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  • ladydocsings
    ladydocsings Member Posts: 12
    edited February 2009

    Lahh,

    The issue with where the implants go are related to why they are going in: in breast augmentation, they go UNDER the breast tissue and ON TOP of the pectoralis muscle.  In mastectomy, skin-sparing or otherwise, it goes UNDER the pectoralis.  the reason is that the skin by itself cannot support the appliance behind it and you run the risk of complications including damage to the skin.  If you do your research, you'll see that capsule formation is a high complication, but less so in the submuscular implant.  So it is better to go under the pec.  I had skin-sparing (but not nipple sparing since my disease was just under the nipple on both sides)mastectomies. As far as athletics, what do you do?  I would talk with your PS, or the one you are interviewing or consulting with to get his/her opinion about what reduction, if any, there would be long term.  Also, ladies on this forum are invaluable as far as personal experience goes... that may be more important than what the PS says (though don't discount them completely, LOL).

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