Hi just wondered if any has or is looking towards getting some matching up done following lumpectomy and radiotherapy.
My right boob is significantly different now, part of me thinks wear it be confident is something that doesn’t matter and ultimately just a scar of life, the other part really struggles aesthetically, its a reminder, im young if i met someone how will it effect, my clothes bras dont fit nice.
So really just looking to see if others have done it, was it easy to attain from your hospital? Or have you learned to live with it?
I’ve just had (last Wednesday to be exact) a bilateral therapeutic mammoplasty, which is basically a breast reduction which removes the cancerous matter.
My surgeon already said before the op that they expect things to move and change and they will see me in a year to do any adjustments if required.
Maybe the BCN could put you in touch with the same surgeon?
Hi @trix1 , I believe its possible to get a partial breast shaper which could help you even up and achieve a better fit for your clothes. Alternatively, it might be possible to use a softie type breast form and remove some of the stuffing until you get the right fit. You could wear this in a pocketed bra. A full cup bra works best for containing any type of breast form. Wishing you well, Love Tulip x
I recently got put on my surgeon’s waiting list for symmetrisation as they called it. I know it will be a long wait probably and as I am 77 I might feel that I don’t want another op. by then. I’ve had the same treatment as you and can manage wih the bras I’ve got and a filler but I’ve always felt too busty for my frame so will be pleased if they match up but smaller
My surgeon says she will even me up by reducing the other side after my treatment ends and in the meantime I have been offered a prothesis. Still early days as op was only 2.5 weeks ago but glad they have already discussed options and a plan to support me.
My breasts were a bit uneven before 2 lumpectomies - not sure if this was due to some gradual weight loss or the tumours -. ( most people have one bigger than the other). Now my operated breast is a little smaller still, but a good shape. However wearing a good bra ( I’m a “H” and go to Bravisimo) it’s hardly noticeable. I’m due for some new bras so I will go for another fitting and see what happens. My breast care nurse did suggest “ reshaping / resizing “ the other breast could be looked at later.
Hiya, I had a mastectomy and reconstruction last Saturday. I now have a boob of a 29 year old and my natural boob of a 42 year old. The new one is slightly lifted and the nipple when it’s finally tattooed on will be higher. The breast is smaller than my original so part of my treatment plan is symmetry surgery which will happen this time next year.
My surgeon wants me to heal properly first and get back to my natural weight after all of the stress and treatment etc.
I wanted to have the symmetry surgery and it is offered on the NHS ( I’m very lucky to have private healthcare through my work).
It’s really up to you. I had a diep flap reconstruction so I have scars on my belly and from hip to hip.
I will choose to wear these proudly as a reminder if this bastard disease and how I chose how to get rid of it, but for me I wanted my boob to be restored. I wanted to feel like I got something good out of this process so that’s why I’ve opted for it.
It’s all down to how you feel. There are bra fitters out there that work specifically with with people post surgery or this type to make sure you have well fitting underwear that will make you feel more like you.
Lots to think about and no wrong or right answers xx
It should be available on the NHS, but different hospitals have different policies. I had two very very different experiences.
I had a therapeutic mammoplasty almost 3 years ago. The consultant said we would talk about balancing surgery once my treatment was complete. I moved house between surgery and radiotherapy but stayed with the original hospital as I thought it would be better. How wrong could I have been.
I asked for an appointment to discuss the balancing surgery after my radiotherapy, and the consultant referred me to a specialist colleague, that hadn’t been mentioned. After waiting for another appointment (getting on for 18 months post original surgery) I was told (very unsympathetically) that my BMI was much too high to be considered, even though it caused me problems (think a b cup and an e cup) back pain, breast pain (impossible to get bras to fit) and a poor body image. Bear in mind my weight has been stable since the very first appointment.
There was no way I was staying with that hospital after that experience, so I asked to be transfered to my closest hospital, a process which was quick and easy and I was invited to a ‘new patient’ consultation. The first thing the consultant noticed was the difference in breast sizes, asked very sympathetically if it caused me problems (still yes) and put me on the waiting list for balancing surgery (done a week ago, and feels better already!)
Sorry about the long post, but yes, it can be done, in my case it was certainly a worthwhile operation, and if your local hospital isn’t helpful shop around.
