Thursday, June 10, 2010
today I met with the plastic surgen, so many options I really did not want implants. I also thought that he could do everey thing at ounce and that will be it. I was wroung because of the radiation the skin is hard. He said something about an extender then implants or D-flap process where use fat and skin from the stomach and create and breast however because I want the other breast removed and ovaries. I have that gene. its a hard desesion. What to do??? what to do????
Hi Lynn - First please read our post on reconstruction types. I think it'll help you out. If you can get a TRAM flap or DIEP flap (taking tissue from belly or back and moving it around to breast), I'd recommend it highly. I had a TRAM flap, and it's wonderful - looks perfectly natural in clothes, and it just "hangs" right, and feels right - since it's your own body tissue. However, radiation might disqualify you from this; not sure. (Plus with a TRAM flap is you get a free tummy tuck at the same time - who can't appreciate that?!
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Then your choice would be expanders and implants (saline, or silicone; most women prefer silicone); or wwearing an exterior prosthesis. The prosthesis is much less surgery, of course; but also you have to fool around with putting something in your bra...
Bottom line - try for the flap. Although it's more complicated surgery up front, I think it yields the best result. Good luck to you - PJH