Implant exchange 10+ years later
Hello fellow survivors. I’m now 10 years out from my reconstructive implant surgery and it’s time for implant exchange. Since surgery, I’ve moved more than 4 hours from my plastic surgeon and am considering seeing a surgeon nearby. So, I’m wondering do I need to look for someone who specializes in breast reconstruction and, if so, how do I find this type of surgeon? Also, would it be better to just return to my original surgeon even if it requires travel? If so, what are the reasons to return to the original surgeon?
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@lhfisher3483 - Welcome to Breastcancer.org!
For your implant exchange, it’s best to look for a surgeon experienced in breast reconstruction, as they’ll understand the complexities of your case. Hope you get responses from other community members here soon. Meanwhile, you can check out our popular Exchange City thread for more insights from others who've been through this type of surgery.
Looking forward to hearing more from you!
The Mods0 -
I can't comment on implant exchange since I don't even have implants but I had to have a repeat thyroidectomy and returned to my original surgeon. He agreed to do it even though he was winding down and getting ready to retire. He told me that all surgeons perform the same procedure a bit differently depending on their training/experience and he could more easily navigate the scar tissue that had formed. He also said that while the surgical notes were in my medical records he could look at what he wrote and remember things he didn't include. Sometimes it is not possible (or preferrable) to have the same surgeon but make sure that you have a copy of your original detailed surgical notes sent to to your new surgeon if that's what you decide. All the best.
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Thank you both for the insight!
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