I’m trying to decide on an implant versus a thigh flap. I need a mastectomy on only one breast. The surgeon thinks the flap id best. I like the fact it’s my skin and hopefully be only 1 surgery unlike an implant being foreign and have several steps. The flap has a longer recovery time and could make me numb in the thigh area. Hope you can provide some guidance. Thank you
Hello behappy25
Thanks for your post asking for guidance on making the decision for breast reconstruction.
Making a decision about having a breast reconstruction can be difficult and is a very individual choice.
Breast reconstruction using a thigh flap involves using skin, fat, and sometimes muscle from the patient’s thigh, particularly the upper inner thigh, to create a new breast. include the TUG (Transverse Upper Gracilis flap), TMG (Transverse Myocutaneous Gracilis flap), and the PAP (Profunda Artery Perforator) flap.
As you say, reconstruction using an implant is a shorter recovery time but requires several steps. Whereas a flap reconstruction is a longer recover time and involves surgery from another part of the body the flaps are taken from. However, thigh flap operations also include other minor procedures following the first surgery.
It’s important to fully discuss the options with your breast care nurse or surgeon before making your choice. They can explain the benefits and risks with both types of surgery. You may also find the organisations Keeping Abreast and Restore may be helpful.
To help with your decision, you may wish to speak to people who have had each of these procedures. Our Someone Like Me service can match you with a trained volunteer who’s had a similar experience to you. You can be in touch with your volunteer by phone or email and they can share their personal experiences to answer your questions, offer support or simply listen to how you are feeling.
You can ring the Someone Like Me team on 0800 138 6551 or email them at someone.likeme@breastcancernow.org, so they can then match you to your volunteer.
We offer a range of other free supportive services which you may be interested in. They include face to face and online courses and events.
You’re welcome to call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to additional support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks.
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Best wishes
Addie
Breast Care Nurse
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