Remove or repair?

hi awnie, sorry you are going through this.

I didnt want to read and run so, my thoughts are has your surgeon suggested using your own tissue to create the breast mound on the radiated side? I don't think you get capsular contracture using that method. Someone correct that if I'm wrong!

I'm not suggesting from experience, only from what I have read on here. Just throwing another idea in there for you.

Take care x

Hi Awnie. I also developed CC on one side and am scheduled for another surgery to remove and replace (on December 8). I am about a year and a half out from my BMX. My right implant has been a problem from the start. Had an infection after first exchange and needed to start all over again with TE and replacement. After thinking I was finally done, developed CC on that same side. Seems there is not much clarity on exactly what causes CC or the precise risk of getting it again---but I'm pretty sure it's higher than most women with implants. In my case, my gut says there is a link to the infection I had originally but that's just a guess. Regardless, I'm rolling the dice on trying again with a new implant because it's not a a really big procedure and I figure I'll be back to work in about 7-10 days. If I do go on to get it again, I'll have to think seriously about either going flat or doing a flap procedure. The latter worries me because of the long recovery and complexity of flap surgery. Plus, I've already been through so many procedures, time out of work, pain, etc.

I really understand what you're going through-- I have significant tightness, pain etc. I also had PT and lymphatic drainage massage prior to all of this and I don't think there was any direct correlation in terms of the PT helping or hurting the CC.

Oh, almost forgot, did your PS suggest you try Singulair? Mine did as there are studies that show this helps CC. It didn't for me but he will probably try me on it immediately post-surgery this time around to try and prevent it.

Stef, thank you so much for your perspective. And I am so very sorry for all you've had to face. Does your doc think the radiation is the cause of the CC and do you know how likely it would be for it to happen again? I have plenty of fat to do that sort of transfer but can it really make a full breast? I guess I just thought fat transfer was for minor things like rippling or divots.

I personally totally understand wanting to give up on surgery. I wonder if I'm being too stubborn and should just give up. I guess I'll cross that bridge after this next procedure.

I never in a million years expected reconstruction to be as complicated as it's been.

I have CC in radiated breast and my PS said he would not touch it with a 10 foot pole. Sigh. Usually he recommends DIEP flap, but I am not a candidate for that because I am too thin. My only option is for a lat flap, but based on my reading here, I would not go for that for several years, when I no longer work in my current job (which requires strength and good range of motion). For now, I feel stuck, but since my radiated side is about 1-1.5 inches higher, I've found a sports bra helps lift my other foob, so they're not so obviously at different heights.

Hoping you get answers. Maybe a DIEP flap would work for you, but that's a big surgery with a long recovery.

My PS does not think my skin will heal. I know the implant will need to eventually be replaced though, so I may eventually get a second opinion. I am tired of surgeries though, so I'll wait a bit on it. I do know a gal who had a GAP flap (or something like that) where they take the fat and vessels from your buttuck region. It is not as common, but she's thrilled. I actually know 2 people who had it done; both in Texas.