I have bilateral Grade 3 IDC - 2.2 cm on left and 4.4cm on right and bizarrely they are symmetrical and both about the 12 O clock position. I will be having surgery on the 10th May. I could have had a double mastectomy and may still need one but my breast surgeon wants to try a therapeutic mammoplasty first to try and retain my breast sensation. (My request) I have large breasts which is why she think a TM might work if they can get clear margins. I can’t find much information about this surgery online. She says I will have an upside down t-shaped scar below the nipple and one around it. Can anyone who has gone through the procedure or knows more about it enlighten me? I’m worried that it seems to be a more complicated procedure than a WLE but will be pleased to have an uplift!! How long did it take you to recover from the op? Did it take a while to get used to your new shape/size? How do you know what bras to buy for post-surgery?? I have been feeling a bit surreal about my diagnosis as I feel so well but now I’m facing treatment I’m finding it hard not to freak out!!
Hi
I had a therapeutic mammoplasty to have a 5cm area removed. Plus I had a normal mammoplasty to the good side for symmetry (in fact, I had two operations on each side in the end, but that’s another story…) Both sides had an incision round the areola as the nipples were moved, but I didn’t have exactly the same incision as you.
To be honest, I was surprised at how little pain I had, and how quickly I recovered. They sent me home with Oramorph as a painkiller, to use when the nerve block wore off. But I never needed more than paracetamol and ibuprofen, and only for the first couple of days. I did have a lot of bruising and swelling which took several weeks to go down.
Long term, I’ve been left with a better shape than before, the scars have mostly faded. I’ve gone from a 36F to a DD, so there’s still plenty left.
The most comfortable bras for me post surgery were zip front sports bras, I needed the same size after as before, the swelling sort of compensated for the amount that was removed. Long term it’s different, but the first couple of months definitely. You want something comfortable because you need to sleep in it, you really need to be properly supported.
I had to choose whether to have a mastectomy due to the amount that was going to be removed, but I have no regrets over choosing a lumpectomy first.
I hope some of that was helpful, good luck with your surgery.
I really value your honesty and openness. I feel I know a bit more about what I might expect. I’ve realised I put I’m Grade 3 but I’m Grade 2- (still getting used to the terminology) and as such I was expecting radiotherapy but at my planning meeting my breast surgeon told me to expect chemo??? I’m bemused. Ultimately I realise that until the tumours have bean take out and looked at properly I won’t know the next stage of my treatment so I’m trying not to think ahead too much. I’m going away to Italy next week as I was told that I shouldn’t leave the UK for a few months once my treatment starts and we’re trying to fit in a last family holiday but I’ll definitely let you know how the surgery goes. Will try and figure out how to message you. Thanks again for all your help - it means a lot to me that youve been willing to share your experience. Take care x
Dizzybee Where did you have your op? I have an approximate 2 inch at middle or outer quarter not sure which as its changed. Thanks.x