Tummy tuck

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KarenAus
KarenAus Member Posts: 94
edited January 2017 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

Last June I had a double mastectomy then chemo with no reconstruction and lost 10 kilo but nothing off my tummy or thighs.

I am booked in next week to see a plastic surgeon about cleaning up under my arms and am thinkning of getting a tummy tuck and maybe liposuction on my thighs and bum. I don't want to be a model just balanced.

Anyone else gone down this road?


Karen Aus

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  • StaceySue2U
    StaceySue2U Member Posts: 281
    edited December 2016

    Hi Karen - I'm also thinking about a tummy tuck and I was thinking about "cleaning up under my arms" as well.

    Did you talk to your plastic surgeon? Did you decide anything? I was wondering if lipo on the arms would be contraindicated because of risks of lymphedema?

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  • sourlemon27
    sourlemon27 Member Posts: 19
    edited December 2016

    Karen -I also have questions on this topic, I am planning a bilateral mastectomy (no recon) 1/9/17 and was told by the nurse (because I am more on the heavy set side) that I will most likely have "dog ears" or just lumps of extra skin under my arms and not to be alarmed after surgery, after reading other forums it sounds like the extra skins causes irritation when working out or at the gym or is just uncomfortable/irritated because the "fat balls" are rubbing against your body, I have herd of DR's referring people for liposuction for the problem areas, I am trying to figure out if I should just go directly to a plastic surgeon to have a "smooth" outcome and to prevent multiple surgeries? and due to the circumstance (that this is still breast cancer and sucks!) would this be considered a non covered cosmetic surgery for insurance companies?

    -sorry I can't really answer your questions, I'm in the same boat and just looking to be symmetrical, keep us posted on your outcome, hope all is well! <3

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  • Luna52
    Luna52 Member Posts: 147
    edited December 2016

    Hi sourlemon,

    I am in a similar situation as yours. I had my BMX in September and, as hard as I worked to avoid dog ears, I do have some extra tissue/fat pads. I think it is hard to avoid that unless you are thin and small breasted to start with. I consulted a plastic surgeon prior to my BMX and asked if she could attend my surgery and "close me up" but she didn't feel that was necessary. You might get a different answer.

    My BS worried about what she called "skinning me" too tight and affecting my range of motion. So, I may be having something done after I've healed for a year. My understanding is that it will be covered as reconstructive surgery since it was due to my BC surgery.

    The fat pads are gradually reducing in size as I am healing. This must be due to reduced swelling since I sure haven't lost any weight! At this point (3.5 months in), if I wear a light yoga bra everything tucks in nicely and doesn't rub or bother me at all. Without a bra, it still feels a little irritating particularly if I am exercising. I've tried camisoles but they don't provide enough support for now.

    This is my most comfortable everyday "yoga" bra: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01JLEMNXC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

    Hoping for a good outcome for you! And be patient.. what you start out with post surgery is not what you'll end up with.


    Karen - please keep us posted on what you learn regarding tummy tuck and underarm clean-up!




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  • sourlemon27
    sourlemon27 Member Posts: 19
    edited December 2016

    Luna52- thanks for the reply! so I guess I will just wait and see how everything looks/feels after a few months of healing, but like many people here I just hate the waiting game, I never thought about how it would affect range of motion though. I would love to know how everything works out for you a year down the road, or if you decide on another surgery, thanks for the link! I will definitely be buying one or two of those yoga bras.

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  • KarenAus
    KarenAus Member Posts: 94
    edited December 2016

    I have decided to go for a diep which will give me the tummy tuck and going to have tiny boobs. I do not want to go back to wearing a bra. This will happen in 2 weeks.


    karenAus


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  • StaceySue2U
    StaceySue2U Member Posts: 281
    edited January 2017

    Hope you are recovering well from your DIEP, Karen!

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  • KarenAus
    KarenAus Member Posts: 94
    edited January 2017

    I am, still in hospital due to still draining and I live too far away for PS to send me home right now.


    KarenAus

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