reconstructed breast shape/size change

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KT2815
KT2815 Member Posts: 7
edited June 2014 in Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy
reconstructed breast shape/size change
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  • KT2815
    KT2815 Member Posts: 7
    edited May 2008

    I had a mastectomy followed by expander and silicone implant.  I do my stretching exercises faithfully but the tissue has become very tight following radiation.   The shape of the breast is distorted and has shrunk.  I am so uneven now and very self concious of the difference between my two breasts.  I am wearing a pad in my bra.  Any suggestions?

    Kim

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  • ehall
    ehall Member Posts: 663
    edited May 2008

    Hi Kim--this seems unfortunate and you may want to consult your doctor.  Sometimes radiated breast tissues increase the risk for capsular conjuncture (spelling ?) which is the hardening of the scar tissue surrounding the implant.  I understand that this can occur weeks, months, or even years after the implant. It sounds like this may the case for you.  The upshot...I understand that the PS can "fix" this through surgery--either replacing the implant or attempting the break the scar tissue.  Take care....

    Erin

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  • KT2815
    KT2815 Member Posts: 7
    edited May 2008

    Erin,

    Thank you for replying.  I saw my PS and unfortunately he can not reoperate again since the skin is very thin.  He did release the scar tissue once already.  I have read that this is a side effect from the radiation.  If anyone has a "prosthesis" sugestion to even me out I would be interested.  Thank you for your suggestion. 

    Kim

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  • otter
    otter Member Posts: 6,099
    edited May 2008

    Kim, someone with more knowledge will come along any minute now. I do know that there are "partial" prostheses that will do what you are asking for.  They fill out the smaller breast after a lumpectomy, partial mastectomy, or recon that results in a mis-match.

    A sales lady in the mastectomy/BC supply store I visited showed me a catalog from one of the best-known breast form suppliers.  There was one whole section of partial prostheses.  (I don't know if there is a better name for them.)

    otter 

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  • ps123
    ps123 Member Posts: 221
    edited May 2008

    Kim,

    Like Otter said, there are partial prosthesis that can even you out and work well, and a lot of insurances will pay if you get a prescription from your oncologist or surgeon.  If you go to a mastectomy supply store/fitter they can help you and and also check with your insurance about coverage and submit the claims for you. 

    Also, here's a link to plug in your location to find a store near you.

     http://www.amoena.com/us/StoreLocator/

    Pat

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  • rockwell_girl
    rockwell_girl Member Posts: 1,710
    edited May 2008

    I've been meaning to share this on a old thread I read but will share it here 1st.  My tissue expander is bigger than my good breast so in the past I've been using swim suit liners stacked up to even things out.  But last time I was at Target in the bra area I found a end cap that had a bunch of pink boxes.  The name brand is Lingerie Solutions...Water Push Up Pads...They were only $5.99 what a deal      : - )

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  • KT2815
    KT2815 Member Posts: 7
    edited May 2008

    Thank you to all of you that responded to my question so quickly.  The support from this web site is great.  It is nice to have others going through the same thing to talk to.  I am going to look into the partial prosthesis. Pat, thank you for the link : )

    Kim

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  • njnative
    njnative Member Posts: 44
    edited June 2008

    Dear Rockwell girl,,,, this is why this site is amazing... I am due back to work 3 wks after a unilateral mastectomy with reconstruction... kept searching for an answer to what women do when one breast is normal (38D) and one is expanding. Finally last week was told that I could get a prosthesis and bras through my insurance. Got them last week and literally the bra was huge and the prosthesis weighed serious pounds. I felt like Madonna in her 80's cone bra... Then I read your post and went to Target and got the Lingerie Solutions $5.99 solution and could fit it in my regular non 80 year old bras...thank you for posting such valuable info...

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