Hello,
Has anyone here heard about this new method of breast reconstruction being pioneered in Wolverhampton, where an implant is inserted into a mesh? There was something about it on local BBC TV this morning but no details. What I am trying to find out is, is this method only possible with immediate reconstruction, or also delayed? I had my unilateral mastectomy five years ago.
Thanks - Judith
Hi JSA,
Thank you for starting this discussion it sounds very interesting and I am sure some of our users will be along shortly to share.
I have moved your post to our Surgery board to give users more of a chance to see it.
Best wishes,
Lizzy
Hi Judith
Im not sure re your answer to delayed reconstruction but the Consultant in question works at New Cross Hospital perhaps you could write and ask, I work in healthcare and we often have patients send a letter to ask if particular treatments they have heard we are trialling or carry out would be suitable for them. If you dont feel confident doing this you could discuss with your GP who may send a letter on your behalf.
Hope all goes well
Jen x
I had immediate recon with implant and animal derived mesh in September 14. Unfortunately it got infected during chemo and had to be removed. I then had an expander implant with a different mesh containing titanium in may 15. I’m not sure if this is braxon. My surgeon said it’s much better than the first mesh she used, but at that time she was waiting to see results of trial before she used it.
I’m due to have the expander replaced with permanent implant in the next couple of weeks - again she will use this new mesh.
So I geuss the answer is yes it’s possible with delayed recon, but if you’ve had rads they won’t be able to stretch the skin so you’ll need donor skin from diep or ld flap surgery.
Hi Judith, I believe its only immediate reconstruction as you would need to have a skin sparing mastectomy to have somewhere to put the implant so to speak. But they are making new strides every day, you never know what’s heading your way. Fingers crossed xx
Hi Judith, I had a bilateral mastectomy last June 15 and am due for my reconstruction op in May 16. I didnt have any kind of skin sparing operation and my surgeon has said I am having expanders (with the mesh I believe) straight away for end results. The expanders I’m having can be kept for up to two years if I wish then he said would replace with implants. So as I understand it the mesh is going in straight away as he said it will hold the expanders/implants therefore not over stretching the skin and giving them a better shape. I am seeing the Breast Care Nurse on Monday for a chat about it all so I will double check. My surgeon and the nurses here in Worthing, West Sussex have been wonderful!! Hope this helps and good luck xx
Hi Judith. It’s a year on and I just read your post. There was an article about this type of reconstruction using pig skin (Braxon) in the Daily Mail 11 July. Were you able to have it done? I had a mastectomy a year ago without any skin saving etc. Wasn’t really informed about it at the time. I’ve looked into other types of reconstruction and had a meeting with plastic surgeon, but I don’t like the sound of them! This sounds much less intrusive, but I suspect it’s too late for me. Debbie x
Riversidedawn
I’d be really interested to talk to you electronically as I am currently in hospital with a raging infection in my expanding implant and port with high temp and been on IV ABX for 3 days, im now day 17 of first cycle of FEC. My recon breast started reacting two weeks after surgery to animal origin dermal matrix. Surgeon said it was allergy which would settle. Had ABX for a week and it was less red but never really went away, still pink. Three weeks on I had to get on with chemo and two weeks into that I’m now in trouble. I’m thinking it has to all come out, but afraid of surgery when I’m post chemo and afraid of delay to chemo either way.
Really like to know your story x
I have just had the braxon implant inserted above the muscle it was an immediate reconstruction and recovery was pretty quick - my surgeon pushed for it as I have other medical issues and I am so thankful she did.
Hi Kate
im in for the double with the Braxon. Booked for May 14th. Everything I’ve read sounds really good. I’ve spent way too long looking at pictures of reconstructed boobs on the internet!!
Whens your surgery?
Hi Rosie/Evie, i hope this finds you well. Sorry I completely missed your replies. Weirdly Rosie, my surgery was May 14th! Had dressings off yesterday, a bit sore today as I guess now it’s just my body holding my implants. Pain is bearable with paracetamol.
I am usually sore in the mornings. Most days when I get up I feel absolutely fine, others i feel sore. Trying not to over do it! Ughhh!
Bras are my biggest issue, finally found Macom and Royce ones that felt comfy with dressing on and now feel unsupported.
Would be great to hear your progress xxx
I haven’t heard of this and would be interested to know the details. I had a mx with a failed LD Flap and have been left with horrendous problems. Pain in my back where the muscle was taken, pain in the front where it’s collapsed. Apart from the discomfort which is now 2 yrs on, visually I am struggling to get over the cosmetic outcome. Would appreciate hearing from anyone else where implant/LD has not worked.
Hi, I just want to thank you so much for taking the time to reply and explain your journey with Braxon. Very much appreciated. I am going to ask my surgeon in 2 weeks time if this is a possibility for me. Trying not to get my hopes up as every avenue so far has been a closed door. If I can find out the name of the Wolverhampton consultant using this product I would try my best to book a consultation, if anyone out there knows…
PS - I have lost any hope of ever having matching breasts, just to have some shape at the side of my surgery would be amazing!
Dear RosieH I wonder how you are doing following your surgery brave lady? Sending warm wishes.
Hi I have a high grade DCIs and having a macsetomany next week with Beacon.