Considering Flap surgery after having implants for 2 years

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KLHM2006
KLHM2006 Member Posts: 1
edited June 2018 in Breast Reconstruction

I had a double mastectomy in 2015 and had immediate reconstruction with implants. In 2017 I had the expanders removed and had my 'final' implants placed - and I hate them. They are not the size my PS and I had discussed, some of the fat grafting has died off, leaving lumps and ridges, and my muscles still spasm around them. I consulted with another PS who has offered me a Flap surgery (FREE flap I think), but I've already had my implants for 2 years. I've only read stories online of people who have had flap surgery immediately after their mastectomy. Has anyone else had implants first and then a flap surgery later? What kind of difference did you feel? I want a bigger, fuller size, but I don't know if this surgery can do that for me?

Any advice/input/comments would be appreciated.

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  • Runrcrb
    Runrcrb Member Posts: 577
    edited June 2018

    i never had an implant but did have the tissue expander in place for15 months prior to my DIEP flap surgery. No regrets.

    Do some reading and research on flap surgeries. There are several options and you should understand what your plastic surgeon is suggesting. “Flap” is the term for using your tissue. Free means it is separated from your body and then reattached via micro vascular surgery. There are flap surgeries where the tissue is moved to make the breast with out severing the blood supply. It can be helpful to take someone with you next time you discuss it - someone to take notes and remind you of the questions you planned to ask.


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