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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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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Insurance Companies Set To End Coverage for DIEP Flap Surgery
Read more about what you can do to help stop this.
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Prosthetics Prior to Reconstruction - Insurance?
I had a DMX on Jan 4th with TE's. Earlier this week, I lost both TE's to necrotic wound edges and possible infections, so it will be 6 months before we can even attempt to begin reconstruction again. I'm not flat...I'm concave at this point! My question is, I know insurance will pay for prosthetics or reconstruction, but…
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Single MX and matching natural breast
Hi! I have single MX surgery coming up on 2/9. I think I was still shell shocked when I met with my plastic surgeon, so I can't remember what he said about how he'll augment my natural breast to match the reconstructed side. I am an A cup. Can anyone tell me what is likely going to be done to kinda beef it up to match? I'm…
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Am I crazy to consider a DIEP this far out?
My bilateral mastectomy was in 2010 when I was 44. Not skin or nipple sparing - wouldn't want to have "spared" any of the breast with the worse problems, that's for sure. Back then, I was adamant I did not want to discuss reconstruction because I was so afraid of dying and I did not want to miss an extra minute with my…
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Not sure what I want to do. Ideas?
I had a BMX with direct to implant reconstruction in October 2021. Implants were the only option for reconstruction at the time because I wanted to save my skin, and COVID meant I couldn't get a DIEP - no hospital bed available, and I didn't really have enough fat anyway. Then pathology found a tumor in one of the sentinel…