I’m about to have a mastectomy and have been given the option of a S-Gap flap reconstruction or implants. I don’t know which to chose, it feels such a huge decision, if anyone else has had either I’d appreciate any feedback.
I will have to have a reduction for my normal breast later on. I’m worried about the artificial shape of implants. I’m also concerned that if I have the S-Gap flap I’ll only be able a very small breast as I don’t have much flesh so they’ll have to reduce the other from an E cup to a B cup. I don’t mind that but just wonder if I’ll end up looking a bit strange!
I dont think I can help you Minnie, except to say that it is really important you are happy with whatever you decide. It is your body and going forward you need to feel happy with your decision.
I had bilteral mastectomies with strattice and implants in Feb. I was really unhappy about the idea of an implant as i did not think that I wanted something unnatual in me. I was a B cup and a size 12 so I had no choice as the suregon said there was not enough ‘muscle/tissue’ to create 2 new breasts without implants.
A further factor to consider is whether you will have rads. post treatmet.
There is a really good book ton reconstruction which is mentioned on another thread. I will see if I can pm it to you (or if someone from BCC sees this, maybe you could do it?!)
Thinking of you. Rattles x
Thank you Rattles. I may have radiotherapy, it depends on what they find in the lymph in surgery, I’m aware of possible capsulation. How have you found your implants?
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Minnie, had to put daughter to bed and find this for you:
There is a really good book by Rainsbury and Straker called ‘breast reconstruction your choice’ t hat was posted on a thread in reconstructive surgery. If you go to www.scribd.com and then key in no54505458 you can see it and download it without having to pay for it.
I think this is a great book and will help you alot if you have time to read it.
You have asked my views, and I had both the best and worst experience. On thr right, I have the most amazing breast. I kept all my skin so it looks like me. The implant is temporary but looks natural. The scars are minimal. However, my left reconstruction failed and I had to have a radical mastectomy- this was thought to be due to radiation treatment for my first breast cancer in 2009 and an infection. Please dont let this put you off. It is very rare and I was just unlucky.
Read the book and have a look at the other threads here to give you an idea of what other women think. Hopefully you will get some other replies soon.
How long before you have to decide? Rattles
Thanks Rattles. I’d like to decide today as I want to get on with getting my op date in place, the most important thing. I will have a look at the book now as I’d been wanting to look at it before so thank you very much for that.
I’m sorry to hear about the bad experience you had, it must have been very hard to have both mastectomies done.
Minne
Hi there. I am having the sgap on monday 1st and will let you know how it goes.
I wasn’t keen on implants, have had surgery on tummy which prevent tummy flaps, am sporty and hence did not want the ld flap. The sgap was the only other option.
i WAS REALLY UPSET ABOUT THINGS THREE/FOUR WEEKS AGO. I PHONED THE BREAST CANCER CARE TEAM WHO ADVISED GOING BACK TO THE SURGEON TO GO THROUGH THE OPTIONS AGAIN. SO PLEASED I DID. Feel much better. i DIDNT WANT TO GO BACK TO SEE THE SURGEON - LIKE YOU - THINKING THIS IS GOING TO DELAY THINGS. i THINK THE THING i LEARNT IS THAT IT IS A REALLY IMPORTANT DECISION - ONE YOU NEED TO BE HAPPY WITH AND YOUR SURGEON TOO. YOU ARE A TEAM. DONT COMMIT TILL YOU ARE CONFIDENT.
SORRY ABOUT CAPS - NEVER BEEN ON A FORUM BEFORE!
Good luck with you decision