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Saturday, July 03, 2010 Jill J. asks

Q: Reconstruction

I had breast recontruction on June 1.  They changed the mastectomy side with a silcon implant and on my other side they did a lift and an implant. I had asked the doctor if he could make me even on both sides and the lift side is a whole cup larger than the mastectomy side.  Should I be going back and telling the doctor to fix the larger side or do I assume that I am still healing inside?  I am very frustrated over the whole reconstruction process.  Also how am I to do self breast exams now as it feels strange?

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PJ Hamel, Health Guide
7/ 3/10 9:50am

Jill, forgive me if you've already seen this answer - I typed it earlier, and it seems to have disappeared...

 

Sounds like you need to decide which cup size you want to be, then have one of your breasts adjusted accordingly. I'd guess your surgeon is waiting till s/he's sure the swelling is completely gone - which I'd estimate would be another 2-4 weeks. At that point, go back and discuss how you want your breasts to look, exactly, and any good surgeon will be able to map out a plan to make it happen.

 

As to the self exams, the American Cancer Society no longer advocates regular BSEs. Instead, they say you should become familiar with how your breasts feel normally, then note any changes via regular, informal feeling. For instance, most women shower every day. It's a simple matter to run your hands over your breasts and up into your armpits as you soap; if you pay attention every day as you're doing this, you'll be able to feel any changes. For you, there's a "new normal" with the implants; but once you become accustomed to how it feels, you should be able to feel if anything changes. Good luck - hope things go well for you. - PJH

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By Jill J.— Last Modified: 12/26/10, First Published: 07/03/10