Breast Reconstruction Doctor Answers, Q&A, Tips

Do Breast Reconstruction Tissue Expanders Cause Pain As They Expand?

It seems like a tissue expander would be painful as it stretches the skin - am I crazy?

30 doctor answers

What Does a Reconstructed Breast Look Like?

How close can breast reconstruction get to creating a breast that looks real? Does it largely depend on how much tissue has been removed?

21 doctor answers

How Many Cc is Needed for 36 to 38C Breasts?

I'm going to have breast reconstruction due to a double masectomy. Please help me, this is very stressful.

13 doctor answers

Breast Lift of Good Breast After Unilateral Mastectomy?

I'm 35 years old and in two weeks, I'll have Mastectomy of left breast and immediate Breast Reconstruction with implant-expander. The PS told...

16 doctor answers

Breast Implants After Lumpectomy and Radiation?

Do you recommend breast implants after a lumpectomy and radiation? If so, what type of implants and what are the pros and cons of this type of...

25 doctor answers

How is Alloderm Used During Breast Reconstruction?

How do medical products like Alloderm aid in breast reconstruction procedures?

22 doctor answers

What is Lipofilling and How is It Used for Breast Reconstruction?

Can fat transfer techniques be successfully applied for breast reconstruction? Or are there better methods out there?

13 doctor answers

Cup Size After Mastectomy with Saline Implants?

I will be having a right simple mastectomy. I'm a "A" cup, and I'd like to have an idea about the cup size I would have after...

8 doctor answers

Breast Reconstruction After Lumpectomy and Radiation?

Is it possible to have Breast reconstruction after a lumpectomy and radiation?

10 doctor answers

Are There Nipple Implants for Breast Reconstruction?

Are there nipple implants or cohesive gel implants (formed) that are made with a shape that could create a more normal looking breast/nipple? It would...

13 doctor answers

Breast Lumpectomy Axillary Tail Removal with Breast Augmentation?

I went to a surgeon to ask about fatty under arms. I was told by my OB it was breast tissue. Its very large and has to be tucked into my bra which...

7 doctor answers

DIEP Flap Surgery Best for Natural Breast Reconstruction Results?

There's a possibility I may need to have a mastectomy, so I have been looking into which breast reconstruction procedure would be best for giving...

18 doctor answers

How Long Should Tissue Expanders Be in Place?

I had bi-lateral mastectomy and am in reconstruction now with tissue expanders. I heard the muscle contracts down and makes them smaller in the end. I...

8 doctor answers

Nervous About Breast Reconstruction with Mastectomy

My oncologist has recommended I have a mastectomy - I was diagnosed with breast cancer - and I'm going to have the surgery. He told me I could...

37 doctor answers

Medium Plus Profile or High Profile Implants for Breast Reconstruction?

I am planning to go under an exchange surgery from expander to implants. I am 5'1", 105lbs., whose chest width (arm pit to arm pit) is 12 inches...

12 doctor answers

Does Medicare Cover Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy?

Does Medicare cover Breast reconstructive surgery after bilateral prophylactic Mastectomy for patients with BRCA positive gene mutation and...

5 doctor answers

Breast Reconstruction Options

What are the benefits of having breast reconstruction at the same time as mastectomy, and in which situations would it be recommended to postpone...

26 doctor answers

What Makes Mentor CPG and Allergan 410 Implants Not Good Choices for Most?

I had a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction in 2000. I am just unhappy with the way my implants look and feel. I have an...

4 doctor answers

Over the Muscle Implant Placement After Radiation Therapy?

I have had a bilateral mastectomy. I have under the muscle silicone implants. I had radiation treatment on the right breast and the implant is...

17 doctor answers

Breast Reconstruction After Radiation?

I have undergone the first stage of breast reconstruction after a double mastectomy. I will be getting the expanders removed in 2 weeks with implants...

12 doctor answers

What Are my Options for Filling an Indentation Left After Lumpectomy?

I have under the muscle silicone implants. My lumpectomy was 5 1/2 years ago. Can Alloderm or Juvederm be used to fill in an indentation area on the...

7 doctor answers

Double Mastectomy and Breast Implants Cost?

Around how much would a double mastectomy and breast implants cost without insurance?

7 doctor answers

Breast Implants vs Tissue Fillers for Breast Reconstruction

I have breast cancer, and will undergo mastectomy, but my insurance will not approve the use of Alloderm for the reconstruction because they say its...

17 doctor answers

Uneven Softness on Breast Tissue Expander

I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had bilateral mastectomy with tissue expander reconstruction. I was filled with 350cc's. It was done about...

9 doctor answers

Implants After Breast Cancer and Lumpectomy

I am 35 years old had lumpectomy and radiotherapy 10 years ago. 2 kids later. now would like implants. is it possible that my 'ok' breasts...

16 doctor answers

Free TRAM Flap Vs. Pedicled TRAM Flap

What is the difference between the free TRAM flap surgery and the pedicled TRAM flap surgery for breast reconstruction?

14 doctor answers

How to Fix Pain from Scar Tissue After Breast Reconstruction?

What can be done about scar tissue causing pain?

5 doctor answers

Skin-sparing Mastectomy

I just read an article that said a lot of board-certified surgeons in CA reported they are still using traditional techniques for mastectomy, cutting...

7 doctor answers

Breast Reconstruction Cost: $13,000 Fair Price?

I got a quote of 13,000 for implants, a lift and fixing of some scar tissue on my right breast due to two lumpectomy's. I'm going to have both...

14 doctor answers

Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction - Can the Procedures Be Combined?

My mom gets really painful cysts in her breasts constantly. It's not cancer, but she is tired of having tons of biopsies and plans to have a...

30 doctor answers

Insurance Coverage for Tuberous Breast Reconstruction?

I noticed only one doctor addressed the insurance coverage for "snoopy" or "tuberous" breasts. Is it common for most insurance...

6 doctor answers

Risks of Breast Reconstruction with Implants After Radiation Therapy?

I have recently had a bilateral mastecomy due to breast cancer in my left breast. I am currently undergoing chemotherapy and will be having radiation...

9 doctor answers

D Cup Possible After Breast Reconstruction with Expanders?

I've been diagnosed with multifocal, high grade DCIS which requires a mastectomy. I have always been very busty (34DD at age 15 and 34F now). Is it...

10 doctor answers

GAP Flap Breast Reconstruction - Does It Also Give You a Butt Lift?

Since GAP flap breast reconstruction surgery moves fat and skin from your buttock area to your chest, would it have the same effect as a butt lift...

5 doctor answers

Breast Implant Size for 34C After Mastectomy?

I recently had a bilateral mastectomy and now have a tissue expander. I would like to know, what breast implant size would give me a size 34C after my...

4 doctor answers

Failed Breast Reconstruction w/ Implant. Try Again?

Hi: 7 years ago I had breast cancer, had a lumpectomy, then had radiation. Then 3 years later I had another cancer event in a different location on...

6 doctor answers

750cc Implant Size After Double Mastectomy

I had a double mastectomy a few months ago (after testing positive for the gene). I've had the expanders in since surgery and am getting ready for...

12 doctor answers

Increase Breast Size Through Reconstruction After Mastectomy?

Is it possible to increase breast size with reconstruction following a mastectomy? Will it increase both breasts, even though only one will be...

9 doctor answers

How Are Breast Expanders Supposed to Look While Getting Filled?

I had a bilateral mastectomy due to invasive lobular cancer in one breast and had tissue expanders at the time of the surgery. I just finished my 2nd...

4 doctor answers

After Bilateral Mastectomy, my Expanders Are Excruciating

I Was a 34A at Best. I am afraid my body is too small to accommodate the smallest expanders available, and I am seriously thinking of ending the...

14 doctor answers

Fat Transfer to Even out Breasts After Lumpectomy?

I am a 40-year-old woman with a lean athletic build. I went through a lumpectomy in 2005 due to a tiny, grade 3 cancer found. I had chemo and radio...

4 doctor answers

Back of Arm and Armpit Complete Numbness After Bilateral Mastectomy

I had a double mastectomy on 4/30 & on my left side had 11 nodes removed. On that side the backside of my arm and armpit are completely numb. I...

6 doctor answers

What is the Best Reconstructive Option for my Lumpectomy/Radiation?

In June/06 I had a lumpectomy w 2 levels of lymph nodes removed, followed by 21 treatments of radiation. I would like to slightly enhance and be as...

7 doctor answers

Does a Reconstructed Breast Feel Different?

What kind of sensation can be expected to return to the newly reconstructed area following breast reconstruction surgery?

8 doctor answers

Breast Reconstruction Expanders Removal and Replacement?

How long are Breast reconstruction expanders left in after the last fill? I had my expanders removed and replaced at approximately 6 weeks. From what...

6 doctor answers

Breast Reconstruction for Infected Breasts?

I have had breast infections due to Gamella bacteria first, then had a bilateral periductal fistula on both breast 3 times, then contracted HA MRSA. I...

9 doctor answers

Medical Insurance and a Prophylactic Mastectomy

I have a very very strong history of breast cancer in my family.My maternal grandmother died from breast cancer and so has my maternal aunt.My mother...

8 doctor answers

How Long Does It Take Implants to Look "Normal" After Reconstruction Surgery?

Hello, I am 27 years old - 5' 3" 155 lbs. Medium frame. I recently had a bilateral mastectomy and went thru the tissue expansion process and...

4 doctor answers

Exercise in Preparation for a Mastectomy

Hello, I'd really appreciate some advice because I can't find the answer to this question anywhere: I'm due to have a risk-reducing double mastectomy...

6 doctor answers

Post-Mastectomy Breast Infection. Expander Removal?

Left breast ( had radiations 2 years ago ) got infected after mastactamy and reconstraction with expander.I'm 2 weeks now with picc line with...

6 doctor answers

Best Option for Natural Looking Breast After Mastectomy?

I have been classified as very high risk (42%)for getting breast cancer. I have not dealt well with all the worry and testing the past 1 and 1/2 years...

5 doctor answers

Lipofilling Concerns in Breast Reconstruction?

It has been recommended that I have my reconstruction (both sides) using latissimus dorsi followed by Lipofilling as I do not have enough tummy fat...

3 doctor answers

When Will Stem Cells Be Available for Breast Reconstruction?

I had my mastectomy operation in 2003. Still waiting for this wonderfull stem cell.

21 doctor answers

Better Symmetry? Lat Flap with Implant or Tissue Expander and Implant?

I am 35, having a unilateral mastectomy, no chemo, no radiation. I've received two different opinions from board certified plastic surgeons about...

12 doctor answers

Is There Anything That Can Be Done to Reduce Rippling After Breast Reconstruction Surgery?

I am 52 and have had a bi-lateral mastectomy followed by silicon breast implants. I notice rippling at the top of my breast when I lean over. I will...

5 doctor answers

Double Mastectomy with Immediate Reconstruction and then Radiation - Timeframe for Expanders?

I am 38 years old diagnosed with breast cancer,had chemo before surgery and I am going to have a double mastectomy with immidiate reconstruction the...

11 doctor answers

Tram or DIEP Flap Using Stomach Apron for Breasts After Weight Loss?

I had breast cancer (Chemo./Rads.), and am awaiting reconstruction. I have lost 175+ pounds, and have a large stomach apron of excess skin. I was...

7 doctor answers

Young Mastectomy Patient - 800cc. Can I Go Larger?

Double mastectomy: reconstructed with 800cc/high profile/gel/below muscle. Even with such a large implant, it's NOT close to my size before...

9 doctor answers

Scar Tissue in Chest Wall After Breast Reconstruction?

Is it possible to have a painful chest wall scar tissue after Breast reconstruction with implants? I am 2 years post-op and continue to have pain...

4 doctor answers

Reconstruction After Mastactomy

I had one breast removed and am going through the reconstruction process. My current size is a small B, appx 340 cc in volume in the good breast. I...

7 doctor answers

How Long Until I Feel Better After Cellulitis on Breast?

I have been in pain since Wed. Today is Sat. How long before I will be feeling better. The redness has went down a bit but,,, I have pain even up my...

8 doctor answers

Help with Choosing Method for Breast Reconstruction, Lift and Implants?

I need to make up my mind regarding breast reconstruction, with breast implants and breast lift. I have gone to different plastic surgeons. I am 50...

11 doctor answers

Insurance Coverage and Cost for Breast Implant Replacement?

Would it be feasible to have new implants? What would be a ballpark cost figure to do this? And would Medicare and my supplemental insurance (which is...

4 doctor answers

Can Inverted Nipple After Lumpectomy Be Repaired?

Is it possible to to repair a nipple that has turned inward during a lumpectomy?

5 doctor answers

Implants Too Small After Breast Reconstruction Surgery

I just recently had my expanders exchanged for silicone. I finished my Chemo laster year. My PS put in 450cc. I looked at my chest and they do not...

5 doctor answers

Do I Need Yearly Mammograms or MRI After Breast Cancer and Reconstruction?

I had mastectomy Oct 2008. Reconstruction finished June 2009. Do I need a yearly mammogram or MRI to continue to look for cancer?

9 doctor answers

Have A Staph Infection From Scab, Could My Implants Be Infected?

In May, I had implants put in, and have had a scab on the left breast since the surgery. I July I noticed a small hole on the left breast, so I showed...

4 doctor answers

How Much Does Mastectomy Cost?

How much would it be to remove my breasts completely?

2 doctor answers

Can Breast Reconstruction Be Done with the Implant on Top of the Pectoral Muscle?

I am facing a right mastectomy with reconstruction. I am small busted, A cup or smaller. I am not interested in being larger at all. Can I choose to...

12 doctor answers

How Long After Chemotherapy Until You Can Put in the Permanent Implants?

How long after chemo generally can you swap out the expanders for permanent implants? To give you more detail. I had a double mastectomy in April and...

5 doctor answers

Breast Reconstruction Via Lipofilling After Lumpectomy?

Is it possible to restore a breast after a lumpectomy using lipofilling? I had a large amount of tissue removed from the top part of my breast. I...

6 doctor answers

Is It Possible to Retain A Cup Breasts After Breast Reconstruction?

I will be having bilateral mastectomy surgery in the next few weeks. I am currently an A cup and am wondering about the likelihood of remaining...

8 doctor answers

What Are the Benefits of Reconstruction for Tuberous Breasts?

I am Native American and have Tribal Health Insurance. I am trying to put together information about having my Tuberous Breast Deformity corrected. I...

8 doctor answers

Breast Reconstruction Revision?

I had reconstructive surgery 5 years after my mastectomy but I only got an implant. I would like to have it redone so that both breasts will look the...

10 doctor answers

How Often Do Breast Tissue Expanders Fail Due to Manufacturer's Error?

I had a bi-lateral mastectomy and tissue expanders put in Sept. 9th. The left side failed because of 5 needle size holes and was replaced on Oct. 29th...

11 doctor answers

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