Oncolgical PS vs Cosmetic PS for BMX w/TE

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mye
mye Member Posts: 130
edited September 2015 in Surgery - Before, During, and After
Oncolgical PS vs Cosmetic PS for BMX w/TE
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  • mye
    mye Member Posts: 130
    edited August 2015

    I am in the process of finalizing my decision on which PS to go with for my BMX with TE next month. The one PS does mostly breast reconstruction and seems to do kind of the same type of incision for every patient regardless of breast shape/size. Whereas it seems the other PS, who does a lot of other cosmetic surgeries seems to tailor the incision type to the breast shape type in order to hide the scar better and manipulate the breast shape to make it look better. My first thought was to go with the one that does almost exclusively breast recon, however I am starting to doubt that. I need to make a final decision very soon and I'd love to know if you have faced similar choices and how you ended up choosing your PS.

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  • Tinkerbells
    Tinkerbells Member Posts: 211
    edited August 2015

    I think you have answered your own question! I used an oncologic PS because it was easy and he worked with my BS frequently. It was the BS who steered the decision on where the incision was (I think). My PS does hundreds of recons every year. My results are OK but not the best I've seen. Good luck and whatever you decide- make sure everyone is on the same page about incisions, etc

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  • muska
    muska Member Posts: 1,195
    edited August 2015

    Keep in mind that breast reconstruction surgery is very different from breast augmentation even if the latter is done with silicone implants. Breast reconstruction is a more sophisticated surgery than breast augmentation. Materials like Alloderm are often used and I would think that requires experience. Assuming the recommendations and ratings are mostly the same for both surgeons I would go with the one who does many breast reconstructions. I think the type/place of incision during breast reconstructions is guided by the type/requirements of surgery. BTW, my scar is not visible at all and it is under the breast.

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  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited August 2015

    I totally understand your dilemna. Have you considered getting a third opinion? A truly experienced reconstructive surgeon would not be limited to one type of surgery or incision. Someone who deals day in and day out with breast recon for breast cancer would be my first choice, but perhaps you haven't found the right one yet? I don't know where you are in So. CA, but I can highly recommend the plastic surgery docs @ UCLA. I used Jaco Festekjian, and Chris Crisera is also outstanding. Hugs, Deanna

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  • mye
    mye Member Posts: 130
    edited September 2015

    Tinkerbells, Muska, Deanna,

    Thanks so much for your replies. Believe it or not I'm still in the midst of finalizing which BS and PS to go with. And now it looks like I will go with whoever can schedule me in earlier. I had made up my mind on a team only to find out that the hospital they are affiliated with did not have an open date until late September. So now the surgery date will more or less be the deciding factor.

    I think in terms of the BS all three that I was consideringare very good and reputable. As far as the PS, I will make sure that I am clear and comfortable with the type of incision they are planning on doing and that they are clear about what size implant I am thinking about having so that they put in the right size expander etc.

    You are right Tinkerbells, it seems the incision location needs to be agreed by the BS as well.

    Deanna, thank you for the PS recommendation. I would have tried to get an appointment except I feel I am at a point that I just need to make a decision (I have seen 5 PSs...).

    Muska, I think incision under the breast would be ideal in my case as well.

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