skin sparing mastectomy without implant
I had a single mastectomy about a month ago. the doctors spared the skin but the plastic surgeon wasn't able to put the expander in at the time of the surgery. Now I'm thinking of not getting the implant but can I keep the skin or will I have to have another surgery to go flat?
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/it is all up to you. I did one sided one and did the expander and implant. He did say he could do a lift and reduction to make it match if I wanted but at that point I was tired of surgery and chose not to do that and am totally lopsided now. I wanted to be me at least one side. Do what makes you feel best and no right answers for anyone. I do not know you will need another surgery to go totally flat unless you take them both off. I knew someone who had a family history and chose that option and went in and said she wanted to not worry anymore about it. If the expander is not filled at all it is there though and wont' be flat totally. to me it kind of hurt when they filled it to expand it.
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thank you for that response
I have an appt with the doctor in two days and will ask questions. If he says I can't just leave that skin empty on my chest, then my next least invasive option would be just to go flat. Or I could do the liposuction and inject the fat into that empty skin. If I do that I'll have to decide what to do with the other breast which is a D cup. My "new" breast would be a small B. So I could reduce the D cup to B but I feel that would be very small in proportion to my body . I could make the surviving breast a C and then use a prosthetic to make the small B match. But maybe that's pointless. If I'm going to wear a prosthesis maybe should go flat on that side.
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If you have uneven cup sizes you can use a breast cup insert in a bra or swimsuit to make the two sides match. I did this when I had breast lymphedema on one side; it was pretty easy, comfortable, inexpensive and looked fine since it was just one cup size difference. I used the Bravo double shaper brand. I don't need them now that the swelling has decreased. You could have a look at them online to help guide your decision.
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thank you…the woman who provided my prosthesis said she could also get me something to put into the pocket of a bra and even them out or make them look larger….more like the D I've been used to being
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I just made the decision to NOT have reconstruction on my one breast. So, I would like input from those of you who have opted not to have reconstruction and went with a prosthesis. What have you tried that you liked? I have read you can get a mold of your remaining breast made so the prosthetic is the same size. Anyone go this route??
Thanks!
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@gaildd7 I'm still not 100 percent decided on whether or not to have reconstruction but I have a lightweight prosthesis from American Breast Care. My insurance covered it but would not cover a custom one. I like it. It's comfortable and I think the weight is good. My natural breast is heavier so it does sag a bit compared to the prosthesis but it's not noticeable in clothes. Most of my tops are pretty loose.
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Thanks! I am not large breasted, just looking for some degree of balance when wearing clothing. I do not have a lot of trust in the medical world so my decision was based on not wanting more surgeries, drains, rehab. I just want to get back to my life as soon as I can. I know several women who have had both breasts removed and they are younger than me. None of them seem to have any issues with being flat. I am aware insurance never wants to pay for what is best for us women! I want to go to a prosthetic store prior to my surgery just to see what products they offer.
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@gaildd7 the woman who provided my prosthesis was recommended by the plastic surgeon's staff. they said she was wonderful, worth travelling to compared to another one who was closer to home. If you've consulted with a PS you might want to ask them for a recommendation. If not, perhaps your breast surgeon's office would have a recommendation. I found three or four in my area - Nordstrom (who didn't return my call), another one who was providing all kinds of medical equipment, not just for breast care patients, one who had bad reviews on yelp and from my PS's staff….and the one I went to who was very helpful.
GL
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I got a recommendation from my doctors office. I have a custom made prosthesis- under my clothing, it perfectly matches my remaining breast. With a prescription, it was covered by my medical insurance.
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