Breast Cancer Reconstruction Specialist in New Mexico?

wabiwoman
wabiwoman Member Posts: 247
edited August 2016 in Breast Reconstruction

Hi! I currently live in Santa Fe. In 2009 I had a bilateral mastectomy, expanders and ultimately implants (round, not gummy, due to financial constraints) put in. Prior to all this I had cancer multiple times and did get radiated. The surgeon I had was in Rhode Island. Excellent woman.

As time has progressed my implants have gotten very "baggy" - lots of divots and puckering. It is definitely time to do something. I also never got nipples, so that is on the list.

Anyway, I went to a plastic surgeon here who told me the only reason my radiated breast healed was because I was at sea level when I received my surgeries. I went to him hoping to get bigger implants (I am a "B", wanted "C") to fill out the divots, etc., and nipples -- but he said what he would want to do is multiple fat graftings. He said he would not do an implant because he does not believe my radiated side would heal.

I would like a second opinion. Does anyone out there know of a good surgeon in New Mexico? At some point I would have to get these implants replaced anyway (after 10-12 years, right?) so what I want is in my future regardless. Any referrals would be most welcome. Thank you!

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  • fleur-de-lis
    fleur-de-lis Member Posts: 107
    edited August 2016

    you may want to head over to Houston, or Dallas Texas if you can, both are at sea level.

    Whether the sea level theory is true, I cannot say...but, I have heard it before

    I had a good team at Methodist in Houston that I could recommend Dr. Coselli, BS and Jeffrey Friedman, PS....BS is on my insurance policy, PS is not, so I am trying to collect names of other surgeons in the Houston area.

    I have a current thread asking such...but so far, no replies....only "crickets"😎👀

    Good luck, and let us know what you find out RE: sea level and it's effects on radiated breast tissue and reconstruction

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  • wabiwoman
    wabiwoman Member Posts: 247
    edited August 2016

    Thank you soooo much -- that is exactly the sort of info I was looking for. I'll look into Dr. Chan. Much gratitude!!

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  • wabiwoman
    wabiwoman Member Posts: 247
    edited August 2016

    And thank you for the information about the Houston doctor. I actually did think about going back to my old Rhode Island doc -- but exactly that issue -- can't afford to stay out of work and in another state while I heal….. But thanks!!

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