BMX without recon - Scar query

I am also 65 and just had a simple BMX, no reconstruction ( IDC in left breast with 2 nodes removed) . I went that route for the same reason - multiple biopsies in the past and just not wanting to deal with that in the future. Plus I knew now I feel well enough to have gone through the surgery. Who knows how I'll feel 5 or 6 years from now if anything had recurred to undergo surgery like that when I'm in my 70s.

I had a PS do the closing and he was the one that put in the JP drains also. One week out and I feel pretty good, better than expected, but still a lot of limitations and intermittent pain on the left side. I didn't have them leave any extra skin because I was certain that I never want reconstruction. The only issue I have is that you are dealing with two separate doctors and each seems to just be responsible for their part of the procedure. I hope things go well for you. I'm still in shock when I look at my body and realize I am now built like an average 2 year old - flat chest and little poofy tummy!!

Yes, put it in writing that you do not plan to reconstruct and do not want excess skin left, and then request that that note be placed in your medical chart.

I didn't have a PS, and my BS did a nice job.

Without recon it's a few hours. Mine was maybe 3? Then some time in the recover room. Apparently I offered to sign my own discharge papers, but I don't remember that.

I had a simple BMX last October without reconstruction and told my BS I didn't intend to have recon. He told me he could give me neat scars and he did. I have wide excision. I have a small frame but I had medium sized breasts which took up my entire chest. I was diagnosed de novo with mets so I knew there was a high possibility of lymph node removal. That contributed to the scar on the right extending past my arm pit and, as 29 nodes had to be removed, that was the only part of my recovery that was really painful (apart from the extensive bone mets). After a year my BMX scars have almost faded and are barely noticeable but I do have little dog's ears under my arms which are also improving now that I can do stretches again.

I would say it depends on the size of your breasts, the type and size of tumours (my right one was 10 cm and the left one was 2cm), and your body type. I think being small and slim helped with mine. The BS told me it would. So, I would sum all that up as only you can estimate.

Perhaps a consult with a plastic surgeon might be a good idea to get advice on how the size of your breasts and body will impact on surgery and compare that with what your breast surgeon says. Obviously the PS will be looking for work but you can size that up by listening.

My surgery only took 3 hours.