Anyone Heard of the SWIM Breast Reconstruction Technique?
SWIM stands for skin-sparing wise-pattern internal mammary perforator. The procedure combines a nipple-sparing mastectomy with a breast reduction. Blood flow to the nipple is preserved, all breast mammary tissue is removed, and the leftover skin and fat from the original breast and surrounding area is folded to create a new breast.
I couldn't find this technique on this website in their section about breast reconstruction during/after mastectomy. Does anyone here know anything about it? Has anyone here tried it? Digging around for info on the internet; it looks like it would work well for women with large breasts (me).
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I'm also interested in hearing of anyone's experience with SWIM. It seems like this is an update to the Goldilocks procedure, which uses the breast skin to create a mound after a mastectomy and traditionally does not keep the nipples. I wonder how often the nipples survive with sensation using SWIM.
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I am also interested in SWIM, but I don’t know if I can have it because I have Lobular Carcinoma in SITU. I have been researching Goldilocks mastectomy and I need to make a decision within the next month because it’s a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy that I’m having. I have seen pictures of the Goldilocks and if the surgeon does not know what they’re doing it does not look good. Also I’ve heard on different websites. A lot of women have the tissue in the breast die and become necrotic, I don’t want just lumpy fleshy things hanging off of my chest, but I also do not want implants. I was thinking of going with the aesthetic flat closure and my daughter recommended going to see a gender affirming surgeon. I am lost.
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@girlbythesea1, welcome to Breastcancer.org! We're sorry you have to be here for this, but glad you found us!
While we don't have specific information about SWIM reconstruction on our main site, we understand that making a decision about your reconstruction options can be overwhelming. It's important to consult with a knowledgeable and experienced breast or plastic surgeon. We hope you receive helpful responses from other members here soon as well.
Remember, it's okay to feel lost, and take your time to make the best decision for yourself. We're here to support you, and if you have any other questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to ask.
Sincerely,
The Mods
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