I had two operations last year to remove fairly extensive DCIS, and symmetrising surgery three weeks ago as I was left with a significant size difference.
I saw the surgeon today, and he says that he doesn’t think he’s removed enough, even allowing for the swelling. The bad side was already smaller, before the two ops, he said he’d removed 30g extra from my good side to allow for that. So he said give it a couple of months for the swelling to go down, but he will operate again if necessary.
So I’m pretty down, I thought all the surgery was over, and I could get rid of the partial prosthetic.
Has anyone else had symmetrising surgery that didn’t do the job on the first attempt?
Me!! On 6th July. I had a therapeutic mammoplasty. New one is much smaller. Seeing surgeon again in 2 months. Will ask if he can sort it. So disappointed.
Hi dizzybee, I had mastectomy and implant recon 3 years ago. A few complications and had final implant and uplift to good side in April 2016. Still not symmetrical. My implant is lumpy and much smaller than good side (although I’ve put on a lot of weight!)
I’ve spent a year or so contemplating what to do. Discussed lipofilling and various other options. Then thought another reduction to good side would help, then realised I’d be wanting this every time my weight changes (I’ve just turned 50 and pretty active and fit) so I am booked in for s DIEP reconstruction on 29th August!
Having had 5 or 6 ops due to complications and I have always thought, no it’s too big an op, if I have any other op it’ll be a double mastectomy - double flat will always match! But a year of getting back to work, counselling and antidepressants has allowed me to come to terms with having major surgery.
Take your time, it rarely gets sorted in one op. Difficult as it is I think you need some time to adjust, accept and reflect before taking the next step.
I hope you feel better about things soon and can find some support to help you xx
Hi. Sorry yes wasn’t very specific. Had a reduction to my good side to match bc side. Had loads of problems with healing on bc side last year and that is now all droopy whereas new one is very pert and small. After all I’ve been through with bc side taking 9 months to heal, chemo delayed until wound pretty small etc I should be satisfied but I just want a matching pair. I do feel ungrateful esp as I’m not normally image conscious. I don’t wear make up and am overweight but this seems a really big deal at the minute xx
Totally agree Dizzybee - as I sit here in hospital afte my DIEP surgery. Non bc people can’t understand why I’ve put myself through this when I already had an implant.
It’s for me, for my psychological well being and hoping to close the door on treatment x
Hi dizzybee, it is rather uncomfortable to say the least!! Worst thing is the catheter together with bloating/constipation from drugs. I have had a difficult, painful day wondering why I’ve put myself through this as I’m three years clear?! Then I re-read my post, it’s for me, it’ll be better in the long run but boy the early days are tough!
Thanks claire, I met others last week that were 3-5 weeks post op and all very positive. I’ll keep looking forward and hope I’m up and about very soon x