Breast Reconstruction

Talk with others facing decisions about whether or not to have breast reconstruction, and if so, what type and when.

Prepping for Reconstruction? Join us on Zoom.
Our professionally facilitated In Treatment Zoom meetups are a great space to meet others going through surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or reconstruction to talk face-to-face and get support while going through active treatment. You'll pick up great tips from others who've been there, gain immeasurable support, and learn…
Thinking About Reconstruction? Start Here
The main Breastcancer.org site features great, extensive information about Breast Reconstruction, including: * Is Breast Reconstruction Right for You? * Types of Reconstruction, featuring details on each kind of reconstruction surgery, what to expect, and risks * Pictures of Breast Reconstruction * Questions to Ask Your…
Bra after reconstruction, 5 years out
Hello! I haven't posted on here in ages but wanted to reach out to ask if anyone else if having issues feeling comfortable with their foobs in a bra. I have over the muscle, direct to implant reconstruction and they are pretty small, measure out to a 32c. I have a very lean chest and almost zero body fat on my chest. So…
Nipple Sparing Mastectomy
Hello everyone, I am new to this site and was diagnosed on May 1, 2023. I am 48 and have finally decided on a BMX. I am negative for all genes but have a strong family history of breast cancer on both sides of my biological family. I am planning for a skin sparing mx later this summer but have not yet decided about saving…
Pap Flap reconstruction and recovery?
Hi all! I'm due to have a single sided Mastectomy and immediate Pap Flap Reconstruction in a week or so. I would really like to hear anyone's experience of Pap flap recovery as I'm struggling to find any tips/ advice about recovery. Thanks so much in advance!
Podcast: Treatments for Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large-Cell Lymphoma
BREAST IMPLANT SIZING 101
DISCLAIMER! I am not a physician or medical professional. The information provided is my own personal opinion. You must discuss every aspect of your reconstruction with your plastic surgeon. PLEASE NOTE: New information!! Allergan now has a very easy chart to follow to help you see how sizing works in relationship between…
Breast Implants & ITCHING
UPDATE: After speaking with Nancy's, turns out they add blue agave in the yogurt which was not on the list of ingredients. After a quick search, it appears many people are allergic to it and have the same hives and itching I experienced. Bottom line, it again felt just like what I felt with my textured implants. SO weird!!…
Direct to implant, plastic surgeons only want to do prepectoral
Met with 2 plastic surgeons in my area and both said 'under the muscle' implants for reconstruction are a thing of the past and modern doctors only do prepectoral implants now with ADMs (allograft to create the pocket). The reason being that under the muscle implants can cause animation deformity when flexing the muscle.…
On the fence about reconstruction and getting a little desperate
I have my DMX scheduled for Feb 07. My breast surgeon, who is wonderful insisted I consult with a plastic surgeon to make sure I made an informed decision. She referred me to two PS's. I told her initially I was leaning towards an AFC, and she is fine with that too; she could do one herself; she's recommended on a flattie…
Implant removal
I had breast augmentation implant surgery done many years ago. Ten years ago I had a lumpectomy followed by radiation. I now have capsular contracture with the radiated breast. I know the implant needs to be removed and I'm trying to decide to have only the removal or a mastectomy as a preventative measure. Does anyone…
Surgery December 29th - exchange with fat transfer
Hi everyone, I have received a date for my exchange surgery with a fat transfer over implants on December 29th, 2021. I didn't see a thread for December surgeries. I am wondering what to expect as far as recovery (I had no radiation)? I am SO excited to get these horrible TE's out and have seen people say that they get a…
Tissue Expander Placement Surgery - How Painful?
I had a double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction with TEs at the beginning of January 2023. In Feb. 2023, the expanders were removed due to non-healing wound edges from the mastectomies. Since then, I've been waiting to re-do the reconstruction (likely around the end of July/early August.) My question is, for anyone…
Right side Delayed Latissimus Dorsi Flap with left side preventive mastectomy and implants
I am 11 years out from neoadjuvent, modified radical right side mastectomy, radiation and Xeloda for stage 3b idc. I am now looking into reconstruction along with preventive mastectomy. PS recommended lat flap on the right w TE and TE on the left after mastectomy followed by implants. I am 60 years old now and seem to…
Implants after radiation or go flat
I am about to have UMx soon. I met with my plastic surgeon. Once my PS heard that I need radiation, he started to talk me out of implants. I have small breasts to begin with, so if I do implant, I will need to augment the other side too. My PS worries that if I have capsular contracture - then I will end up with asymmetry…
implants when you have to have radiation
I had a mastectomy one month ago with expander placed at time of surgery. I have not needed to take any pain meds post surgery- I have a pretty high tolerance to pain- but the expander is terribly uncomfortable and aesthetically doesn't look anything like a breast, very tight and constricting under my armpit—I think maybe…
TEs. A Beginner's Primer
Hi. If you've found this thread, you are probably interested in information, tips and help. We'll all do our best to help. We'll post links to several other threads that may be of help as well. But many of us realized that we were scaring Newbies on the TE Trouble Board and that there should be an information Board…
Decorative/artist tattoo on reconstructed foobs
Are there gals here who have done decorative tattoos on their reconstructed foobs? Every time I see photos of them, they are gorgeous. Through a wonderful organization, I have to privilege of having mine done. I'm 16+ years old from diagnosis - finished radiation 16 years ago this week. Finally at my senior age, I love…
Seeking DIEP recovery stories
I had a bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders and am now trying to decide between implants and DIEP reconstruction. If you have had DIEP reconstruction, here's what I'm curious about: - How did you make your decision? - What was recovery was like? - How long ago was your surgery and how you feel about the outcome?…
To have reconstruction or not to have
I'm torn. I'm a uniboob at the moment. Reconstruction is scheduled. The problem that I'm having is that I really don't want another surgery but I don't want people to set and wonder why I look so weird. So I guess I'm looking for the pro and cons of having two breast or having just one. I can live with just one that's not…
Implants...does your "foobs" get itchy!!!
I've had my current set of implants....mentor silicone implants for 3 1/2 years now...and there are times I feel like I want to claw my chest off...this is mostly in the evening....I haven't been to the PS in 1 1/2 years (or is it 2 1/2 years) and have no plans to make an appt for him to just look at them and say yup, they…
Question for those who have implant reconstruction
Anyone with implants stop seeing their PS after their final post-op appointment? I have a scheduled appointment in September, but would like to stop seeing him. He is a great doctor, but unless I have an issue, I don't see the value in any more visits. I feel super ugly and would rather not have anyone, even a doctor, look…
Unilateral mastectomy and reduction
Hi - I’m newly diagnosed and after meeting with my surgical oncologist, I had pretty much decided on a unilateral mastectomy with implant and with a reduction on my left side. I met with the plastic surgeon yesterday and he explained that I would need to go the expander route, but he also said the reduction on the other…
Diep vs Implants after partial mastectomy and mammoplasty
Hi there, I was diagnosed with metaplastic TNBC in my R breast in Dec 2021 at the age of 32. I have since undergone 8 rounds of dense chemotherapy, a partial mastectomy and mammoplasty, radiation therapy and 6 rounds of capecitabine chemo pills. I had a scare at my recent mammogram which required a stereotactic biopsy. My…
Recommended Plastic Surgeons in Connecticut (or New York)
I'm posting this for my mom, who had breast cancer and subsequent double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery with implants more than 10 years ago. She is interested in having her breasts redone, and is looking for a fantastic plastic surgeon preferably in Connecticut, or New York. Any suggestions or experiences with…
Healing following BMX with Reconstruction
Hello! I'm just over a month out from BMX with direct to implant reconstruction. Breast cancer was found in my right breast and I opted to have BMX so that I don't have to go through this again! My cancer was caught very early, the pathology report indicated clean margins and my lymph nodes were also clear. I feel very…
Sub pectoral tissue expanders
HI all i finally opted for bilateral mastectomy which was done on 3/20. The flap perfusion was not great in the affected breast so plastic surgeon decided to place TE's below the muscle. It day 4 and i in so much pain still from the surgery have to take pain meds round the clock. Anyone have a similar experience? does the…
What’s your follow up care plan with implant reconstruction?
I had a follow up visit with my PS PA today and will have my last post surgery visit in three weeks. I asked if I needed any follow up care with the PS after that last appointment. She said yes, they would want to see me yearly. Is that what others do? I was surprised I need to be seen by the PS yearly, since I will have…
Weight gain immediately after exchange surgery
I am obese, and I have lymphedema and lipidema, so it is probably just me, but I gained 10 pounds in three days after my exchange surgery. I know it is water retention, maybe from the medications? I was up and walking hours after my surgery, which went well. I walk around my house and have been virtually pain free on…
DIEP "tight" abdomen
I see people talking about having to walk hunched over for a period of time after DIEP flap surgery due to the tightness. I am wondering if having lost substantial weight before hand (with TONS of loose skin) would help avoid this? I am up to 92 lbs lost and I am hoping that will be a benefit in this one area!! Finding…
Successful Reconstruction After Losing TE's to Infection?
So I had a double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction with TE's at the very beginning of January. My incisions were not healing due to some necrotic tissue on both sides and possible infection, so the TE's were removed on Feb. 1st and the incisions revised. I have since learned that reconstruction with TE's has a…
Insurance Companies Set To End Coverage for DIEP Flap Surgery
Read more about what you can do to help stop this.

Breast Reconstruction

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