Alloderm, nipple sparing

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

Keeping my nipples with a bunch of alloderm bunched up into A sized breast mounds would be just fine by me. Is anyone doing it out there? Is it possible?

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  • KEW
    KEW Member Posts: 745
    edited January 2009

    Hi--I had nipple sparing bi-lateral mastectomies in November.  The plastic surgeon used Alloderm to help create pockets for the expanders.  He explained to me that the first few days after surgery are critical for the nipples as they lose most of their blood supply when all the breast tissue is removed.  He did not move my nipples during this part of the surgery to give them time to develop an increased blood supply. Within days he was able to determine that they were fine.  As my expanders are being filled it is clear that my nipples will not be in the "right" place after the exchange--this is because  of breast feeding and my breasts being stretched, so several months after the exchange (in April) I will go back in for a revision, during this he will relocate my nipples to the "right" place on my breast--this will sever the blood flow and there will once again be the possibility that they could wither, die, and need to be removed.  It is a little more work,BUT  it was great to see myself after the bi-lateral, I looked like me, but kind of flat (there was about 150cc's in each expander), with incisions from the outside of my nipples towards my arm pits.  It was easy to take emotionally.  I have no sensation in my nipples, but appreciate seeing them.  If I lose them during the revision my feeling is that at least we tried, if we hadn't, I would have lost them  anyway from the beginning, and as I said, it was very helpful for me to see how intact my breasts looked after surgery.  As far as Alloderm goes, I don't know much about it except it is usually used to cover the expanders if there isn't enough muscle.  Also, a pathologist looks at the breast tissue that comes from under the nipple area during surgery and if there are no signs of cancer they may be kept.  Not all surgeons or plastic surgeon will do nipple sparing. I hope this helps.

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  • HuneyB2
    HuneyB2 Member Posts: 26
    edited January 2009

    This is my first post here.  I have been reading since Sept. 2008. I had bilateral mastectomies with nipple sparing surgery also.  At the time of surgery I had tissue expanders placed.  My incision is under both breasts, like the incisions for augmentation. My nipples are where they should be with the expanders inflated to 500ccs.  I had a hematoma and active bleeding on the left side (out the JP drains) so emergency surgery for that 1 week later. I am going to PS Wednesday to "pick out" my implants and a final surgery date. He assures me my nipples will be where they belong after permanent implants are placed.  I'm glad they kept them and I have no visible scars.  Not looking forward to another surgery, but ready for this all to be done and back to "somekind" of normal.

    Pam

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  • KEW
    KEW Member Posts: 745
    edited January 2009

    Please keep us posted.  I'd love to know how your surgery goes and if things are where they should be!  My ps has decided to expand my to 750cc beyond the initial 600cc we are working towards, so I will have 700cc implants instead of 600.  He hopes that this will help get my nipples closer to where they should be.  I  hope mine will be in a good place, I worry about having to move them, but have to hope for the best no matter what the outcome is!

    Karen

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  • emj
    emj Member Posts: 2
    edited January 2009

    My sister has had nipple sparing PM and I am going for the same procedure with the same doctor next month.  We both breast fed two children.  Her breast look beautiful, nipples in the right spot.  She is 1 year out and now feeling some sensation in her nipples.  I hope mine turn out as well.

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  • karen9516
    karen9516 Member Posts: 155
    edited February 2009

    I had AlloDerm and a nipple sparing mastectomy. My incisions are inframammory (under the breast) and my nipples are fine. I am so happy I did it that way. My surgeon is a friend of mine and I hug her every time I see her and thank her for doing it. It is a difficult procedure and hard to find a surgeon who will do it but it is worth it I think. The only reason not to do it is if there is a tumor near the nipple Once the nipple is hollow then it is basically skin and if you ever get a tumor you will know. There is never 100% chance of never having cancer and your state of mind is so important and if it is important to you than find someone who will do it!!!

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  • wbuggie
    wbuggie Member Posts: 91
    edited February 2009

    Hi Karen,

    After much research and a great oncologist, I did find a surgeon and PS that do this technique in FL.  I am now scheduled for March 5th and am praying hard I have the same positive outcome you have.  I am getting anxious to have this behind me but knew I could not live with all the uncertainy.

    Thanks for your post as it lead me in the right direction.  I am praying hard there are no surprises when they get in there as they still did not have clear margins but I am very hopeful they caught this very early

    Wanda

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  • brynze
    brynze Member Posts: 35
    edited May 2009

    It would be so helpful if anyone above, who feels comfortable, wouldn't mind sharing who/where their surgeon is that completed this nipple areola sparing mastectomy...? And how close they feel they look to before the surgery, and if any complications so far healing. And if anyone made the decision for implants-how that's going...

    Thank you so much :)

    Terrified.

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  • KEW
    KEW Member Posts: 745
    edited May 2009

    Well I had my exchange surgery on May 4th and I've posted on the picture forum.  I don't know if you've posted enough to gain access to the forum.  It is moderated by Timtam, and since it is deeply private material the community likes to wait until someone has posted multiple times before they can gain access.  I have to say I do not know how many posts are required.  You can search for Timtam in the members listing and email her.  Let her know you are interested, but that you understand about the posting thing.  Some people have been very hard on her lately and she almost closed the forum which would be a great loss to everyone.  She dedicates a lot of time for all of us.

    I've had no complications.  My nipples are a little low and in the fall I'm likely to  have a breast lift that will move my nipples up.  Of course there is a risk of them not surviving the move, but I'm hopeful.  I think I look pretty close, but not exactly--now they are perkier and larger, but it is different.  I just embrace it.  If you PM me I'll be happy to give you the names of my BS and PS, but I'm in Portland, Oregon, so it may be of no help to you at all.  I had high profile, smooth, round Mentor 800cc implants and I love them.

    I know it is scary, but you will get through all of this.

    Karen (KEW)

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  • brynze
    brynze Member Posts: 35
    edited October 2009

    Hi Karen -

    Thank you so much for the great info (I had no idea there was a private picture forum) and kind words... Wishing you all the very best!

    ~bee

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