Hi, I was diagnosed in June had surgery in July and Radiotherapy through September and now need reconstruction, due to the amount of shrinkage and tissue loss. I would love to hear from anyone who has had implant or fat replacement treatment (don’t know what that is called). I need help to decided which way to move forward, so any information about pit falls, as well as possitives will be greatfully recieved.
Kellogs
Hi kellogs
While you’re waiting for other forum members to reply, you might want to think about getting in touch with our one-to-one support service Search Results | Breast Cancer Now
They can put you in touch with people who have had different types of reconstruction.
To find out more or to be put in touch with a volunteer please contact our One to One Support Team on 0845 0771893 or by email at: ukpeersupportteam@breastcancercare.org.uk
Leah
kellogs i had a delayed reconstruction - a diep which is basically tissue taken from your tummy and made into a breast. For me that was the best option - I went through them all with the surgeon and I did have enough tissue to make into a breast and he said it would give me the best cosmetic outcome. I must admit I am really really pleased with the result and would recommend to anyone who is thinking of a reconstruction and has enough ‘fat’ to transfer to a boob. You also get a nice tummy tuck thrown in for free! Downside is that it is a big operation mine was about 10 hours and it does take a few weeks to recover from and months to recover your full strength - it was worth it though. I do now have to have an uplift on my good side so that my breast match - the new one is pert, my other one is droopy. You don’t have to go for further sugery but for me now I have one pert boob I would like a matching pair. I am on the waiting list for this and at the same time they will do me a nipple for my new breast too. There are pro’s and con’s for each type of reconstruction and you probably need to decide which is the best type for your and your body shape - and how much intrusive surgery you are prepared to have. I found my Plastic Surgeon brilliant in explaining this to me and he swung me in favour of a diep.
I had mx with immediate recon last October (2011). My surgeon recommended strattice mesh and an implant for me, as I don’t have alot of spare flesh on either my stomach or back. There is a limit on the cup-size for this type of recon (a b or c maxmum). The main down-side is that if I gain or lose weight, my real breast will change size but me recon one will stay the same. Luckily, my weight is pretty stable, so it shouldn’t be a big issue.
At the moment, the recon and the real one have pretty much the same droopiness, but obviously as time passes, the real one will be affected by gravity. I have been told I can have an uplift later if needed.
AmysMum-I’m having a strattice with implant for the same reasons-no spare flesh! Can you tell me how long the op is and recovery time afterwards-thanks
I have strattice with expander at moment - soon to be replaced with a normal implant. I am a DD cup and apparently this wont be a problem.