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Revision/Corrective Reconstruction Surgery - What's Your Experience?
Please share in this thread your experiences with revision or corrective reconstruction surgery. As a reminder, we'll be hosting a webinar called Corrective Breast Reconstruction: Getting the Results You Want on July 9 at 6pm ET. You can register here:…
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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…
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Immediate Reconstruction or Wait?
Hi, I am new here and was diagnosed with IDC about 3 weeks ago. I am stage 2, but my tumor is aggressive, so Surgery is scheduled for 4/22. I have a strong family history as well. As of now, they say my lymph nodes are clear and are recommending immediate reconstruction with implants ( I am not a candidate for DIEP flap).…
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SGAP-15 years out
Hello, I am curious how many of you have had SGAP procedure and your results after at least 10 years. I am 17 years out and about 4 years ago, my left leg has gone numb somewhat and had to go to physical therapy. I am not sure if this was related to any nerve damage that may have been due to the flap taken from my butt. I…
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How often do you get an MRI to check on the integrity of your implants (if at all)?
Today I went in for my final 6-month visit. They offered to order an MRI to check on the integrity of the implants, even though there are no signs of trouble with them. Is it normal to get an MRI on my implants just because they are five years old?
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Replacing implants after 15 years
Has anyone had implants replaced? I would appreciate sharing about the experience.
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Silicone implant removal 10 years post op
Hi there! I had bilateral mas in 2013 with lat flap recon and silicone implants. I am not having leaking, rupture or misplacement issues. I do find them uncomfortable however and since I am at the 10 year mark and recently learned they were recalled, am considering removing them and not replacing them. I am 64 years old…
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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…
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Does anyone have experience with Dr. David Otterburn in NYC?
I am strongly considering a revision surgery to go from sub-pectoral to pre-pectoral implants. While I have a good (sub-pectoral) cosmetic result if I stand up very straight and don't move, I have felt inhibited by animation deformity and ptosis for so many years (I am single). I have talked to several surgeons, and they…
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Bras 101: The Great Post-Exchange Debate
BRAS.......whether you love them or hate them, they are often part of our reconstruction journeys. Whippetmom and I decided to share some information that we discovered throughout our respective journeys through breast reconstruction. There are different practice styles and philosophies among plastic surgeons (PSs), and…
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Breast pain when wearing a bra/swimsuit
Hi. I had a DMX last August. I had a revision and fat transfer at the end of this past December. Overall..I am just really happy to still be here and good with the aesthetic results. However, I have pain in my breastbone and under my implants when wearing a bra or swimsuit though. I am pretty active. I do spin classes,…
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changing plastic surgeons
Hi, I'm wondering if anyone has changed plastic surgeons during their reconstruction after a mastectomy? Just over a week ago I had a bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders behind the muscle and would like to change plastic surgeons. My current surgeon does not answer my questions, does not have a nurse or P.A. that I…
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LD flap/pain 2 years later?
I am curious if anyone that has had a LD flap reconstruction has experienced burning pain in back of the shoulder on the surgery side. I had this surgery done 2 years ago and have really had no problems with it. Recently I have been experiencing burning, nerve like pain just above where the scar is in the back of my…
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Infection after Mastectomy with tissue expanders
Developed terrible infection in right breast seven days after double mastectomy with tissue expander placement. High fever, chills, skin necrosis, blistering and breast leaking from incisions. Expander removed, cultures taken, flushed area and closed back up. Proper oral antibiotic received once the bacteria were…
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Trying to decide if DTI is the way to go
Recently diagnosed with stage 1 ILC. Surgeon says I am a candidate for DTI, direct to implant surgery. anyone have this type of surgery, pros and cons?
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Breast reconstruction..which option is best, especially if you had radiation
Hi everyone, my name is Andy. I had a mastectomy on my left breast in March 2023 and have just consulted a plastic surgeon about reconstruction options. Can anyone who has had implants, flap-fat grafting, or DIEP flap share their experiences with me? I am kind of indecisive, but I would love to go for fat grafting, but I…
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Implant got infected
I have not been here in a while. Three years ago I was diagnosed with Lobular stage 3b no nodes. Had chemo and rads and a DMX with reconstructive surgery. Fast forward to today. I had revision surgery 1 month ago. Everything went well until I got a sudden infection on the side that was radiated three years ago. So my PS…
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downsizing
Hello whippetmom, I have had dcis stage 0 and they have done 9 recons with 2 blood sepsis with the first surgeion that I had 8 surgeries with,I had been working the whole time. My new surgeon placed 310 high profile in and I feel too big, am 59, 120 lbs 34d bleh,
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Latissimus Dorsi Breast Reconstruction
Has anyone here had a breast reconstruction using the Latissimus Dorsi? If so can you please share your experience and suggestions? I am due to have a delayed reconstruction beginning of May. I'd appreciate all responses. Thank you.
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3D tattoo vs. nipple reconstruction or both
I see that someone posted a similar question on a different forum without a lot of responses. I thought I'd post here too. I've had my bilateral mastectomy and implant reconstruction and am now at the point where I have to decide between nipple reconstruction, 3D tattoo or both.( I have decided to do something, not just…
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Should I consider DELAYING pedicled TRAM flap surgery if it means I can have a DIEP flap instead?
Hi All, I'm scheduled for a delayed pedicled TRAM flap right breast reconstructive surgery on March 7, 2025. Should I consider DELAYING pedicled TRAM flap surgery if it means I can have a DIEP flap instead? Here's the thing: everything is TOTALLY LINED UP for my current schedule TRAM flap for 3/7/25. But if we try for a…
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Complicated breast reconstruction due to necrosis
I had double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction/tissue expanders placed on November 4, 2024. A week later had post surgery follow up with both surgeons. I had a hemotoma on right side that was drained in office 250/300cc’s. Surgeon said compression necrosis at IMF incision site. My plastic surgeon proceeded to remove…
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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…
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Obesity going into DIEP/Reconstruction
I am currently undergoing chemotherapy. I will have a bilateral mastectomy then reconstruction with DIEP. I am not sure I understand the timeline, it seems there is alot of dancing around regarding my weight. I am currently 41 BMI. Due to loss of insurance and gaining new I have not been able to talk to either surgeon. I…
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Scar Tissue
I wanted to share some vital info. I've been having chest tightness for over 2 years. I've been tested for PE's, acid reflux, etc., but everything would come back negative or not something they could fix. I do have acid reflux and take Prilosec twice a day to keep it under control. I kept asking all of my doctors if it…
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LD Flap yes or no and why
I am new to this group. Due to a few failed previous surgeries. My plastic surgeon is recommending the LD flap. I’ve heard that you can lose a lot of strength. I’ve also heard there’s a lot of pain. Does anyone here have any experience good or bad? I would love to have your feedback!
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Breast reconstruction revision
Hi! I am new to the forum. I was diagnosed in 2013 and after a double mastectomy I had reconstruction using expanders. I am interested in getting my implants removed and possibly replacing them with new implants. The problem is I was living in Florida when I had my reconstruction. I now live in Hickory, NC and have no idea…
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Revision Surgery (swapping UTM to OTM)
Hi All! I would love to hear from those that have swapped UTM (subpectoral) implants for OTM. I had my mastectomy in 2015 and UTM was recommended. I have since developed capsular contracture, as well as animation deformity which has had a noticeable impact on my chest strength/yoga practice. I also have an overall tight…
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Northeast Ohio Plastic Surgeon Recommendations
I’m looking for recommendations for a new plastic surgeon. I had a bilateral mastectomy & reconstruction surgery 12 years ago. I loved my plastic surgeon, but he has since retired. I haven’t seen anyone in a few years and I’m considering explant surgery with DIEP reconstruction. Any fellow Northeast Ohio survivors that can…
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Breast reconstruction
I had a double mastectomy a decade ago. I had decided at that time that I did not want reconstruction. I have now changed my mind, but so afraid of choosing the right doctor. I've seen some horror stories and pictures for which I do not want to be a victim. How do I find the right one? I don't know anyone that can refer…
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Weakness and spasms after DIEP
I had a Diep flap reconstruction in September of 2021. I had ongoing problems with lower abdominal weakness and cramps like large charley horses since recovery. It’s only on one side. I’ve had pt with a group who specializes in breast cancer patients, and pt remotely through MD Anderson. They all focus on building strength…
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Explant Surgery-
Hi- I had breast cancer and bilateral mastectomies 13 years ago and immediate reconstruction using silicone implants. I’m having the implants removed and plan to go flat. The surgeon I saw said that he could only partially remove the capsule since I have no breast tissue. Everything I read says it’s best to have the full…