I had a TRAM reconstruction 12 weeks ago. I was told the blood supply cut off during surgery but they saved the breast. However, I was left with tissue necrosis on one side and an open necrotic surface wound on the other. I have since been admitted to hospital twice on an IV drip as I got cellulitis. As the infection was proving to be resistant to antibiotics I was readmitted to surgery whereby they did a debridement to get rid of both the tissue necrosis and the infection. This was successful. However, they then advised me my open necrotic surface wound was in fact 12cm deep x 5.5cm wide. I was fitted with a VAC and the wound has now decreased to 3cm. I am now on daily dressings. However, the new breast has now indented quite badly and is unsightly to the eye. Does anybody have any experience of this and/or know if they can fix the dent and how they do it and whether or not it involves further invasive surgery???
Hi m3101
I’m sorry to read that you are having a pretty tough time at the moment. I’m sure some of the others the users will be along to offer you their support and expereineces soon.
In the meantime maybe you would like to talk things through with a member of our helpline staff who are there to offer emotional support as well as practical information. The free phone number is 0808 800 6000 and the lines are open Monday to Friday 9.00 to 5.00 and Saturday 10.00 to 2.00.
Best wishes Sam, BCC Facilitator
Bumping this I can’t advise but hopefully you will get helpful comment
L
xx
Aw thanks 
I should be asking my surgeon these questions I know. But to be honest I have endured that much suffering of late and not sure if I can endure further surgery and the risk of further infection that I am debating whether or not to even go back and see her ?? I am trying to research my options prior to me having to go that I may then decide. After battling cancer and then having to endure this I have reached the point whereby I never want to see another medical employee, so help me god, unless it is perfectly necessary 
If anybody can shed any light on what they may do with the dent and/or overhanging skin would help me greatly. Your opinions would be much appreciated
Hi
I’m not sure if this will help. I’ve had both a tram flap and Ld flap reconstruction. The tram flap boob is ok but ended up with a huge tummy bulge. The LD flap got infected and like you I had to have most of it cut away. This was April last year.
My PS gave me 2 choices either to have a flap made from top of my bum/lower back or have tissue expander then implant.
As I didn’t want anymore muscles compromised I opted for the tissue expander which I had inserted in April and its been expanded over 3 sessions without any pain. I will have it replaced with implant in September.
Before I had my LD flap removed the PS did mention that maybe he could use lipofill which is fat transfer from somewhere else on your body. But the difference was too much to match it up to other boob. This could maybe be an option for you?
Its very disheartening when things go wrong but the feelings of despair do get easier to cope with as time goes on.
Talk to your PS before you decide. I’ve had 6 operations in the last 3 years with another one to go. I felt like you at first thinking I couldn’t have anymore surgery but then thought I haven’t gone through all this to give up now.
Chris xx
Thanks Chris.
Strewth, my problems don’t seem half as bad. It does me good to read, puts things into perspective for me. And you are absolutely right about not giving up now. There is a little bit of that bubbling somewhere down below That lipofill sounds promising. I am presuming this would involve a needle? The area concerned with me is not that large. There is some overhanging skin where the dent is and I am thinking will they have to cut it away?
I have to say at the moment I am regretting ever having the reconstruction done and wishing I had stayed as I was 
I have had a years break since having treatment for cancer and thought I would be mentally prepared again, but I don’t think I was now. The minute I first hit a disaster it was like straight to feeling as I had when I finished treatment for cancer. As if it was that my tolerance levels were already fully maxed out before even starting.
Why are you having another operation if you don’t mind me asking. Is your reconstruction not yet finished? More importantly are you pleased with the result. At the minute I am not liking mine at all That’s another thing bugging me, all that suffering and mine is looking somewhat like a punctured football I have nicknamed it Wilson, after Tom Hanks football matey in the film Castaway Joking aside, makes it all seem so pointless.
xxx
Hi
I don’t know much about the lipofilling but think its mostly done under a general anaesetic. Maybe start a new thread on here to find out more.
I felt like you at first when my recon went wrong but 13 months down the line I’m feeling much more positive.
When I had tissue expander fitted I also had my tummy bulge repaired. It seems much better now but since having it done 9 weeks ago I’ve not hoovered or done any heavy lifting, I’m too scared in case it makes it bulge again. It looked like a football in my tummy and felt like my insides were constantly pushing out.
I can’t say I’m altogether happy with my tram flap boob yet as its alot lower than tissue expander side. When I have next operation to replace tissue expander with implant I’m hoping it’ll be more level and if not he’ll give tram side abit of an up lift.
You probably was ready for reconstruction mentally but not ready to deal with it going wrong. I had to wait 2 years and I felt utter despair when it went wrong.Nothing is pointless and you will get through this and it does get easier I promise you.
Humour is good to get you through the bad times. My family are really good at making me laugh but don’t really understand what its like.
Chris x
Hi m,
I am so sorry to hear of your complications after your TRAM. I can understand how devastating it must be for you!
It’s good that you have Chris to chat to, and that she can reassure you about undergoing further corrective surgery even though just now it is the last thing you want to consider. In my experience, most plastics surgeons are very conscientious about getting the best possible cosmetic result, and aware of treating the psyche as well as the body. Far more than most surgeons of other specialities. The ones I have met seem by far the most compassionate. They are perfectionists, and lovely people.
If you have a vac on currently, the main priority will likely be to get this current wound healthy and healing, so I’m sure this will not be a quick process. I guess I’m mainly writing to say hang on, and give your PS a chance to get this to work, and if you are not happy in the end it might be worth getting a second opinion.
I have my 6 month follow up with my breast surgeon next week. I still have rads to go, but I am hoping (I think) for referral to plastics for autologous reconstruction (DIEP/TRAM flap), but I am not even sure that will be an option for me, with my history of thrombosis/emboli, I may be at an unacceptably high risk of failure. Not a comforting thought!