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CMS Will Maintain Breast Reconstruction Codes
Cheers to the most incredible community! We did it!!!💕 We are thrilled to share and help spread the news that as of yesterday, CMS announced their decision to maintain HCPCS codes S2068, S2067, and S2068, and it will not sunset their availability on December 31, 2024. We are so grateful for your advocacy efforts over the…
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abdominal bulge after tram flap
I am 5 years out (YAY!) from unilateral mastectomy & my tram flap reconstruction surgery.The bulge on the right side of my abdomen is very uncomfortable & I am very self conscious about it. Onc says it is not a hernia,,,Anyone else have this problem? Has anyone had surgery to correct it?
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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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Unilateral mastectomy & reconstruction
It seems that bilateral mastectomy is the norm. Anyone else have unilateral Mx? What are you doing with reconstruction for symmetry? I am still in the expansion process but will need to make a decision soon if I want any work done on the "healthy" side. I'd love to know what others are doing. Thanks.
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Problems with implants
Hi! I have breast implants with Mentor silicone, since 2017. I think there is something wrong with them, because the shape has changed, they have become very soft and one of my breasts hurts. I read an article in which it was written that exposure to extreme temperatures, during heatwaves, can affect the lifespan of the…
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Red spot
Debated which forum to ask about this. About 2 1/2 weeks after my exchange surgery I noticed a small red mark on my breast (about 1 to 1.5 cm in diameter). It is not near nipple (I had nipple sparing) or incision (inframammary fold). About 3 o’clock position. Went from completely clear skin to noticing this mark. No other…
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Latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction after surgery
Has anyone out there had the latissimus dorsi flap breast reconstruction that can help me understand what and why I’m still going through pain and discomfort after 7 months since my surgery? I truly wish I had never chosen this type of breast reconstruction and need others to tell me their stories if they are experiencing…
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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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Recovery Time for Expander Placement
I am scheduled to have tissue expanders placed on July 18th. I had my double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction back on Jan. 4th, but the expanders had to be removed due to non-healing mastectomy wounds. My question - if you have ONLY had the expanders placed at a later date - what kind of recovery time did you have?…
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Is this silly?
My 77 yo mom asked the surgeon today, "is it silly to consider reconstruction at my age?". We went for the appointment after mom got the results back from her metastatic workup. Multi focal idc in her right breast...it looks like a lot of large, overlapping tumors the surgeon said. We went for a consult since no sign of…
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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…
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Time From TE Surgery to First Fill?
I had my TE's placed again on Tuesday, 7/18. I go back on 7/25 for a post-op and the plastic surgeon mentioned wanting to start filling that day, so only one week post surgery. He was unable to add any saline when he implanted the TE's as this is the second time we've attempted reconstruction. My question is, does this…
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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…
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Anyone else w/infection after fat transfer?
I had a BMX with immediate implant reconstruction in October 2021, followed by chemo and then radiation of my left breast/chest area due to a rogue node. Radiation finished in June 2022, and my skin was in pretty good shape but the chest wall and surrounding tissue were quite tight. After discussion with my surgeon, I…
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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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OFAFF (omental free flap) reconstruction?
Friends - I had a double mastectomy in 2015 with implants. They are now encapsulated and very uncomfortable so I am scheduled to have them removed next month. The approach my surgeons will take - so that I will not have implants again- the surgery planned is called OFAFF (omental free flap) which is the autologous breast…
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Sickle Cell Trait and Diep Flap Reconstruction Surgery
Greetings. I've been diagnosed with SCD. My surgeon stated he doesnt want to do the diep flap due to risks although Ive been cleared by hematology. Is there anyone out there with the same experience?
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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…
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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!
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Podcast: Treatments for Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large-Cell Lymphoma
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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!!…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…