plastic surgeon STILL trying to push me into TEs

it sounds like your PS may not have much experience with direct to implant procedures. That’s likely why he’s pushing you toward TEs-it’s what he’s comfortable with. Guessing you’re putting implant on top of the muscle-lots of PSs don’t want to do that. Again experience & comfort level. Did he say how many direct to implant procedures he’s done and have you seen his before & after pics of that pricedure

those patients likely did TEs. I would ask him how many he's done like yours. If you're the first I'd strongly consider switching PSs, switching procedures or switching both PS & BS. From your previous posts I know you model and that makes the aesthetic outcome VERY important. He may be the in network guy but if you're the guinea pig is it worth risking those paychecks down the road vs going with someone out of network with lots of experience and good outcomes?

I think that's a great idea swg! In the meantime, hope you have a happy thanksgiving!

Hi Swg, I had a unilateral skin sparing mastectomy with DTI reconstruction over the pectoral muscle. I love the results. But It’s not a procedure that many PS do. When I told my BS this was my preference she told me that she only knew of one PS that had extensive experience with it and I live right outside Chicago. That PS was very honest that although everything looked like I would be a good candidate our plan order was 1.DTI over the pectoral 2.TE over pectoral 3. TE under the pectoral. The major factor in what she would do depended on the skin flap and it’s blood circulation after the breast tissue removal. I could not have a nipple sparing mastectomy so obviously they don’t look exactly the same but size and shape are spot on. I don’t have any rippling or shifting. My recovery was fast and I have full range of arm motion. Scar wise I have a very thin white horizontal line directly across the middle- it’s only been a month so I’m expecting it to fade even more. I hope this helps. I would definitely recommend it but only with the right combination of BS and PS. Good luck

I had nipple and skin sparing right breast mastectomy on Oct 4, 2017. I deferred to PS for best reconstruction method. The way PS and S made it seem, due to my age low BMI, etc it was a very good idea. I thought it was going to be as easy as they made it seem.

Had tissue expander placed at time of DCIS surgery. It has been a nightmare every day since. I had a surgery 2 weeks due to possible infection and incision site that wasn’t sealing. During that surgery he sealed my nipple as well. Fast forward to today: he says tomorrow we are taking expander out, adding more drains ( he added on 2 weeks ago ) and sewing me shut to heal, then we will try again.

I ask direct questions and still don’t get direct answers to what the heck happened. PS makes me feel like it’s my fault. It almost seems like he is pissed with me!? I am a self employed residential real estate broker who cannot show, sell, make money now for months. If I had been offered the “sew you shut”, come see me at your leisure when you are healed approach to reconstruction I would have opted for it. My nipples were not sensitive so I was happy to keep it or have one created.

I’m upset and feel naive. Wish I had asked more “why” questions of S and PS. I feel like I should not be upset since it’s reconstructive issues and my cancer is gone. But it’s all the time, pain, financial stress, I still am physically restricted and it’s hard to make a bed, drive car, laundry, etc. My kids are like: “more surgery, oh boy we will never have fun again” cuz I am always saying I need to rest and/or I can’t d this or that it will mess up my boob.

I am 45, 5ft 6in and weighed 125lbs comfortably wearing size 4 day of surgery. I have gained 35 lbs, stomach and thighs but I haven’t changed diet. I wear tight size 8 now ( had to go shopping ) and no S or PS told me it would happen but the nurses say they see it all the time after surgery.

I am done ranting. I hope this helps anyone considering NSM to think it though and the opportunity cost vs reward. I wish everyone a safe, healthy recovery as well:)

Thanks for your time reading my issue and your correspondence sharing in return. U lost weight ? 1/8 women getsbrrsaf6 in t. 40lbs

Yes, they are removing the TE tomorrow due to inf3ctiom. They c

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swg...I had direct to implant reconstruction and I'm happy with it. I agree that IMO your PS just does not have enough experience doing this kind of surgery. The one thing though is that you want to be bigger than a C cup this is probably not the kind of reconstruction you want. I was a DD and my PS told me the biggest I could be was a full C. It has taken me a while to ge6 used to being smaller bit I'm ok with it now. Good luck and keep us posted.

If you do decide tes check out aeroform I'll see if I can find the thread.

It would be the only way I would do tes