In July 2008 I underwent a bi-lateral masectomy for bi-lateral breast cancer. I opted for immediate reconstruction and my only option was expanders which were placed right after the masectomy. I recently had the second stage of my reconstruction, what was suppose to be a 1 1/2 hr surgery turned into a 5 hr. surgery. As soon as an incision was made, my expander just popped out. In both cases neither expander had been placed under the muscle which from what I understand is standard. My skin only measured 2 mm, I suffered 3 infections and I'm being told that since the expanders were so close to my skin, it is not a surprise. When I had a surgery back in Jan. 2009, an abcess was discovered so my previous doctor made a zig zag incision. I have been told that this type of incision can cause tissue to die because of the lack of blood flow. I am extremely devastated over the latest news. It has been suggested that I start all over. It has already been 16 months since my masectomy.
Can anyone tell me why a board certified plastic surgeon would do something like this?
Why would my expanders be placed on top of my muscle???
Boobear
Hi Angi,
Thanks for answering my questions? After reading what you have gone through, I shouldn't complain.
I hope things are going well with your situation.
Just to let you know, the doctor that did my surgery on Nov. 4th, was my new doctor.
I feel I am now in capable and competent hands. Unfortuantely for him, he is having to clean up someone elses mess. Everybody I have talked with says that the expanders are always placed under the muscle, for several reasons. I just don't understand why my previous doctor would not do this.
I meet with my new doctor tomorrow for my first post-op, I am really curious to see what he has to say.
Boobear