Hey girls..
Had my second consult with the PS and the alloderm question was raised. (by me) He said that he was more than willing to do the reconstruction with the alloderm, but it would involve cutting the muscle and then there was the risk of fluid pockets... I'd have expanders regardless. I just don't know!
Are the cosmetic results really that much better?
Any input would be great.
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Wren Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 317 |
Jun 26, 2008 10:35 pm
Wren wrote:
I had alloderm used on the lower muscle... I didn't have a choice. My PS said she used it to help with the stretched, weak muscle I had and that it would give a better inframammary fold... I am about two weeks out from my exchange surgery and I have to say that I do think it helped. I have no idea if it hurt any more or less---on the day of the mastectomy and expander placement, but I was in a lot of pain. Overall, my PS told me that she found patients had less back muscle pain when expanding--and I would agree with that. I had very little back pain, only toward the end when I was expanded to 760cc... and then I waited three months for exchange and got used to it. I have 700cc silicone high profile implants and I really like them. I am the same cup size as I was before surgery. Others have posted that they have had problems with alloderm, so it may depend on your body and your PS experience with it, but I have nothing to compare it to. Good luck to you no matter what choice you go with. Hugs |
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cj81842 Joined: Oct 2007 Posts: 7 |
Jun 26, 2008 11:08 pm
cj81842 wrote:
Wren, what kind of problems have been posted about the use of alloderm? |
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Wren Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 317 |
Jun 26, 2008 11:38 pm
Wren wrote:
I think someone had a problem with it not attaching to their skin... I don't remember the thread here, but if you do a search for alloderm you may find it. |
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Kathy_K Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 770 |
Jun 26, 2008 11:54 pm
Kathy_K wrote:
Well, the Alloderm will cost more and not all insurance companies will cover it. Since the muscle is cut, I don't know if that makes the expansion time longer or not. Most PS use the Allodern instead of expanding - just go to the implant in the size you want or can fit. Alloderm has it's advantages but if you have to pay big bucks for it because your insurance company won't pay and you still have to have another surgery for the exchange, it doesn't make sense, IMO. I did my reconstruction with an Alloderm-type material and went straight to the implant and am very happy with the results. I don't think yours would be different if you go through expansion regardless of which way you go. Good Luck! When a woman tells the truth she is creating the possibility for more truth around her. Adrienne Rich
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cj81842 Joined: Oct 2007 Posts: 7 |
Jun 26, 2008 11:54 pm
cj81842 wrote:
I had invasive ductal carcinoma - stage II with mastectomy on June 12, 2006 - then expander with alloderm and later last surgery replacing expander with saline implant. I had last surgery for implant a year ago this past February and I'm having issues with my implant. It seems to be deflating slowly, sometimes I have severe itching inside the implant which sound rediculous since my implant is numb on the outside except for the muscle pulling. Recently, I developed a hard marble-like ball inside my implant and the Radiologist said I had a "fold" in my implant (on top). I would love to find someone here who has had this problem and can give me some advice or direction. I'm waiting to see a Plastic Surgeon on July 30th. Do you know of anyone who has had this problem? I'm wondering if the alloderm has anything to do with my problem. Thanks for your help. |
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Tigwin Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 257 |
Jun 27, 2008 12:11 am
Tigwin wrote:
I am due to have a diep tram in August and the PS explained to me about allerderm. I am a big fan of the product and I am so glad he is using it in my surgery. You can read about them on their website but it is an amazing product. My surgeon will not do a surgery without it. I am not sure if I will explain this correctly but what I think is the cadaver product actually creates a blood flow with you body so it actually becomes a part of your body...this is what made me feel great about since blood flow is very important with regard helping you heal and have a healthy breast. Good Luck Dx 2/28/2008, IDC, , Stage , / nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2- |
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Tanzie Joined: May 2008 Posts: 158 |
Jun 27, 2008 11:35 am
Tanzie wrote:
Thanks ya'll. After discussion with my dh, I think I've about decided just to go with the expanders only. KISS works for me, I guess. Also, I have the thought that I could always do flap surgery later if I just really hate my expander results. ~*~But a certain sign of grace is this: From the broken earth flowers come up pushing through the dirt.~*~ David Crowder Band
Dx 5/23/2008, IDC, , Stage , Grade 3, / nodes, ER+/PR-, HER2- |
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