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How can breast symmetry be corrected when tissue expander pockets have formed at different heights?
I had a bilateral mastectomy with immediate above-the-muscle tissue expander reconstruction a few months ago, and I’m trying to figure out how to achieve the best possible symmetry with the implant exchange. My breasts were naturally symmetrical before surgery, so I’m struggling with the possibility of ending up with…
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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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Reconstruction with reduction. Help pls!
Maybe this has been covered before, but I couldn't find quite what I'm looking for, so I'm hoping some of you can share your experiences! I was diagnosed with Stage 0 DCIS about two weeks ago. I have a strong family history of breast cancer, and I've always known what decision I would make if my number ever came up. So, in…
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Bilateral “exchange” surgery on WEDNESDAY!
Hi all, I’m getting my question in very late in the game, I know, but I’m feeling very overwhelmed in several areas of life and I just wanted to ask for some help knowing what to expect. In a day and a half, I’m having a bilateral reconstruction. On my left side, the expander got infected 6 weeks after a lat flap…
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surgery for capsular contracture of 17yr old implants w. alloderm
After 17yrs….. 2009 double mastectomy, silicone implants and alloderm, I finally visited a plastic surgeon who said I have implant capsular contracture on both sides. I had normal MRI results in 2012 and 2023 to check for implant leaking. I am surprised how extensive this surgery plan is. 1st surgery to remove the implant…
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Bilateral exchange surgery Wed Sept 16!
After two primary breast cancers, two major complications and waaaaay too long with a once-infected tissue expander still in, I’M HAVING IT ALL CLEANED UP! Couldn’t do it with a DEIP like I had hoped, so both the expander (left) and the silicone implant (right) will be removed, the capsular contracture tissue will be taken…
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capsular contracture implant revision surgery
After 17yrs….. 2009 double mastectomy, silicone implants under chest muscle and alloderm, I finally visited a plastic surgeon who said I have implant capsular contracture on both sides and alot of scarring on one side.. I had normal MRI results in 2012 and 2023 to check for implant leaking. I am surprised how extensive…
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Struggling.. please share positive things
I am in treatment and while others say I'm doing well, I haven't felt it. I was diagnosed with triple negative IDC in my left breast at 38 this year. Multi-focal, 2 tumors - 1.6 cm and 5 mm. They said node negative but then later my second opinion team, NCI, saw the first place biopsied the wrong node so I had to do it…
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Favorite No-Underwire Bras?
HI all, Which no-underwire bras do you love for post-mastectomy or lumpectomy? Why?
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Breast implants
I just turned 43 and was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma grade 3 & high grade ductal carcinoma in situ. Im planning on a bilateral masectomy. Im meeting with my surgeon on Tuesday. Im having a hard time deciding on if I want to get implants or not. My question is how did you decide on reconstructive surgery or…
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Implant advice
After Discussing my options with my Dr prior to surgery, I wanted to have the DIEP Flap procedure. I had CT scan done and my blood vessels are weak so I need to get implants- I have researched so much I’m now confused. I am 5 weeks post op double mastectomy, i was a double DD before and want to go smaller Reconstructive…
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Failed reconstructions
Hi all, I was diagnosed with DCIS in 2010 and had a partial mastectomy and radiation on my left breast. In 2014 I was again diagnosed with High grade DCIS in left breast. I had a double mastectomy including nipples and a Tramflap operation using the skin, fat and muscle from my stomach to create breasts. I absolutely hated…
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Tips for Bilateral Mastectomy with Immediate Tissue Expander AND Implant Exchange
My Breast Cancer Journey from the perspective of a physician/patient/wife/mom of 3 boys and 1 pup: Dec 2022- First screening mammogram (Age 45, no risk factors) found over a 5 cm area of microcalcifications of left breast near nipple, which then led to 4 additional mammograms and ultrasound biopsy. Biopsy showed DCIS, high…
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silicone implant
Hi, I want to get my silicone implant of 16 years removed due to contractures and pain. I recently had a MRI due to finding a lump, but it turns out it is the implant that I can feel. It is uncomfortable all the time and cold. I am considering going flat afterwards and have mixed feelings about appearance. No real good…
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Seroma non infection
Hello everyone. It has been a while since I was on here. But I have questions and need your help and I know this entire community is amazing. I was here everyday during chemo and all my treatments. I had to have an implant removed last year due to infection. Fast forward to now and I had another tissue expander exchange on…
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Advice for caregiver
Hi all My partner is scheduled for single mastectomy and implant next week. Looking for advice-tips on what type of things I can expect, what can I do to prepare for after surgery and what I can do to help her though the recovery period?
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Fenbendazole, Ivermectin, Mebendazole, Methylene blue for Breast Cancer
I’m curious if anyone here has tried any of these. I’ve read some success stories but would love to hear firsthand experiences. It seems like the medical community has been hesitant to share much information about how these options might benefit people with cancer, whether it’s breast, colon, or other types.…
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TEs. A Beginner's Primer
Hi. If you've found this thread, you are probably interested in information, tips and help. We'll all do our best to help. We'll post links to several other threads that may be of help as well. But many of us realized that we were scaring Newbies on the TE Trouble Board and that there should be an information Board…
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Deciding on what type of reconstruction
I will be having a double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction on Nov 6 on Long Island,ny. My surgeon’s will be Dr Hodyl and Dr ott young. I have a new primary cancer on my right breast. Idc hr+her- (same as last time 10 years ago) I previously had lumpectomy and radiation and tamoxifen. My oncotype score was 10. I…
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reconstruction revision surgery
Looking for anyone who has had a breast reconstruction revision surgery. One of mine has shifted. Its uncomfortable and I can see the ripples of the implant bag. It's not the same shape as the other one. Not sure what to do….