Implants vs Flap Reconstruction

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ChelseaAmber
ChelseaAmber Member Posts: 12
edited February 2017 in Breast Reconstruction

Hi Everyone,

It's been about 4 years since I've been on here. I found bc.org when my mom was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013.

I am back because she was diagnosed with breast cancer for a second time. We are still waiting to have a CT, MRI and bone scan to determine staging and treatment.

However, we have decided that a double mastectomy is the best decision moving forward. I have done my research and feel completely lost. Both options scare me.

I'd appreciate any experiences/advice/education anyone can offer.

She'll have to have surgery fairly quickly and we want to make the best decision. We're both terrified of Flap reconstruction because it looks so extreme. At the same time, we also want the best results.

If you've had Flap surgery, are you happy with the results?

What is the pain like? My mom has a high pain tolerance but this is the biggest surgery she'll ever have.

How long until she can work again? We're both hairdressers and own several salons together.

My dad passed away a year ago this month, so it's just us having to make this decision all on our own. I'd appreciate any and all feedback.

Thanks in advance,

Chelsea

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  • Emily2008
    Emily2008 Member Posts: 605
    edited February 2017

    Hi Chelsea,

    I'm so sorry about your mom. It's such a punch in the gut to be diagnosed again. Trust me, I know!

    I had both a TRAM flap recon and an implant recon. Long story...didn't know I was BRCA positive until after my first diagnosis and TRAM recon. When I found out about the BRCA gene, I had the right breast removed prophylactically and an implant placed. So, I've done both, and there are pros and cons to each.

    I personally think my TRAM recon looks and feels better and more natural than my implant. The TRAM surgery was a much harder recovery. MUCH. There are potential complications like hernias and back instability due to using the abdominal muscles for the flap. I didn't get a hernia, but my back hasn't been the same since. The plus side is the natural feel of the flap breast versus the very implant-looking other breast.

    There are several types of flap surgeries, so you'd need to speak with a good plastic surgeon to go over her options since she may not be a candidate for all of them.

    If she needs this done and over with soon, the best bet may be to go with implants. I couldn't stand upright for a couple of weeks after my TRAM, so trying to work as a stylist would be really rough. Again, I like my flap side better than my implant side, but it was a doozy of a surgery (7 hours on the operating table) and a heck of a recovery.

    Best of luck with this decision!

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