Breast Reconstruction After Doctor Answers, Q&A, Tips

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

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

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

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

How to Fix Pain from Scar Tissue After Breast Reconstruction?

What can be done about scar tissue causing pain?

5 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Will Tissue Expander Failure Affect Breast Implants?

Bi-Lateral Mastectomy, reconstruction with tissue expanders, one expander is not expanding. It did, now it appears after 4 weeks and no expansion...

5 doctor answers

Aesthetically Ideal Areola Size, How to Calculate

Hi I have noted that aesthetically ideal areola size is cited as being between 35mm and 48mm,or in terms of ratio(nipple:areola:breast) as 1:3:9....

5 doctor answers

Avoiding Complications from Breast Reconstruction?

What can I do to improve the overall appearance and possible complications?

5 doctor answers

Failed Reconstruction After Mastectomy Due to Persistant Drainage. What Are my Options?

I had a prophylactic mastectomy with tissue exp and alloderm. My skin opened 8 wks post op and I drained from open wounds on the bottom of each breast...

10 doctor answers

Options for Breast Reconstruction After an Infection?

I had a bilateral mastectomy done, and I had breast implants placed in both breast. I had expanders put in, and had radiation along with a boost. This...

4 doctor answers

Will Insurance Cover Implant Exchange under Cancer Mastectomy Reconstruction? Is Procedure Realistic?

I Had Dbl Mastectomy W/ Reconstruction (Saline Implants). My Left Breast Has Always Had a Couple of Wrinkles/ Bubbles. I would like to exchange my...

7 doctor answers

Not Happy With Size of Breasts After Mastectomy

I Am 46 and Weigh 260. Had Prophylactic Bil. Mast. Done. PS Inserted MX410685. Look Like A's Was DD Prior. Options? I am feeling...

6 doctor answers

Had DIEP Flap Surgery - Incision on Belly Splitting Badly

I had DIEP flap surgery 4 weeks ago, breasts are fine, some issues with the tummy incision. my incision started to separate 3 weeks later. saw my PS...

7 doctor answers

I Had a Lumpectomy Five Weeks Ago and Just Noticed a Nipple Inversion on That Side. What Has Caused This?

Diagnosed with invasive mucinous ductal cancer and had surgery five weeks ago. Yesterday , I noticed a nipple inversion on that same side. My breast...

7 doctor answers

Fluid Collection After TRAM Flap Surgery

I had TRAM flap surgery on March 2, and I still need to have fluid drained from my stomach. I had a hematoma in the same area after surgery that had...

3 doctor answers

Is It Normal to Have Pain After Double Masectomy Expansions?

Had double mastectomy 3 wks. Ago had expansions put in was expanded on Monday have pain is it normal? I had cancer in both breasts am 41 yrs. Old...

13 doctor answers

Should Reconstruction Expanders Move Under the Skin?

I have had my tissue expanders in place since bilateral mastectomy 11/15/10. I stopped getting fills after December 20th so I could heal from my pain,...

7 doctor answers

Breast Shrinkage 10 Years After Radiation for Breast Cancer?

Hi there. My mom is a 10 year breast cancer survivor treated with lumpectomy and radiation. She has recently noticed the treated breast has shrunk in...

3 doctor answers

Why Do I Look Flat Chested with a 750cc Implant?

I had a double mastectomy and expanders. The expanders were filled to 850cc. I had them replaced with 750cc high profile silicone implants a few days...

7 doctor answers

What's the Average Recovery Time of Breast Reconstruction for a Mastectomy?

8 doctor answers

My Breasts Are Flat Post Reconstruction/Revison

I had bilateral mastectomies with immediate bilateral reconstruction with implants and free nipple grafts 1 week ago. I had 600 cc saline implants...

5 doctor answers

Hollowed Breasts After Mastectomy with Implant Reconstruction

There is a hollowed or sunken area above the implant. Can the fat grafting help? Or would it be worth while?

9 doctor answers

How to Repair Muscle Damage Due to Expander Extrusion Post Double Mastectomy?

2 months post double mastectomy-undergoing expansion-prepping for implant exchange. 3 weeks ago expander pushed through muscle (still under the...

5 doctor answers

Unhappy With Look OF Breast Reconstruction- Options? I Also Have Fibromyalgia

7 years post op from bi-lateral mastectomy and reconstruction with McGhan 163 saline implants at 530 ccs ea. gained 25 lbs, look pretty flat don't...

8 doctor answers

Rippling After Skin Saving Bilateral Mastectomy with Immediate Reconstruction

All done 16 years ago. I was very happy with my result. But now the implants are rippling badly and I have some "nerve"? pain on my chest...

7 doctor answers

How Much Fluid Should Be Draining in a Day in Order for my Jp Drains to Be Taken Out?

Two children twenties not over weight (just extra skin) good shape

6 doctor answers

How Long is It Possible for my Breast to Drain?

Dec. 20th I had reconstruction. It has been almost 10 years since my mastectomy, radiation, and chemo. He put an expander in (took the implant out...

10 doctor answers

My Tissue Expander Which is Still Getting Expanded is Very Hard. How Can I Make It Softer?

I had my Mastectomy on 4/20. I am thin, about 114 I have about 420 cc so far in the expander and I had a single. I don't need chemo or radiation....

7 doctor answers

What to Do to Maximize Breast Reconstruction Success?

In 2000, I had a lumpectomy, chemo and radiatioon for cancer in my left breast. In 2002, I underwent another lumpectomy to remove suspicious tissue,...

4 doctor answers

My Mastectomy Reconstruction Silicone Implant is Ruptured. Can Explant Enbloc and Saline Replacement Be Done at Same Time?

I had bilateral mastectomy and silicone implant reconstruction in 2006. One of the implants has ruptured. Is explant with enbloc reccommended? Can a...

14 doctor answers

Revisional Breast Reconstruction for Capsular Contracture - Best Option?

I went to 4 surgeons and got 4 varied recommendations. I am unable to decide the way to go....2 out of 4 would use alloderm. I am concerned about the...

8 doctor answers

S/P Double Mastectomies: 650CC Placed to Achieve a Large C - They Came out Large B

Not much contour to them. My PS is going to do a double implant exchange. I'm S/P 2.5 months. Are we waiting long enough before we exchange the...

6 doctor answers

Discoloration on Breast After Reconstruction

I had a bilateral 2001 did not have reconstruction until 2006 have had a few surgeries . recently had a rupture in one breast aand a scar revision on...

4 doctor answers

Reconstruction After Breast Cancer: Will Medicare Pay to Replace Ruptured Implants?

I had breast cancer 23 years ago with reconstruction. My implants have been replaced once, 12 years ago, and these are now leaking. Will Medicare pay...

5 doctor answers

Implant Fall After Breast Reconstruction

My sister had implants after her reconstruction and one failed to stay up and dropped. I was wondering, what made the breast fall after expanders and...

4 doctor answers

Will I Be Able to Lift Weights After Reconstruction with Implants?

I currently lift weights and play the violin and am worried about the alteration of the pectoral muscle involved in placing the implants. I am 4 yrs...

4 doctor answers

3 Weeks Post Mastectomy - Should I be Able to Have my Expander Filled?

I had a mastectomy 3 weeks ago. I was suppose to have my first fill to my expander. My doctor chose not too. I had dead skin and she had to cut it...

7 doctor answers

Cell-enhanced Breast Reconstruction Post Lumpectomy?

What can you tell me about cell-enhanced reconstruction? Would you recommend this specific procedure for a woman who has undergone a lumpectomy and...

8 doctor answers

What Could Be the Cause of Hardening in Breast After Implants?

I had silicone implants put in in June. It's been about 6 weeks and I have a hardening in my left breast. The area is about 3 inches long and an...

4 doctor answers

Can Filling Tissue Expanders Too Quickly Cause a Wound to Appear That Looks Like a Burn? (photo)

I was 2 months post op from a double mastectomy. All was going well and I was scheduled to have my implants but in within the next month. However a...

2 doctor answers

I Have Had Reconstruction Using Implant and Fat, why is it now rock hard?

I had breast implants 25 years ago. I had breast cancer 2 years ago and had radio therapy which caused the implants to capsulate. My surgeon replaced...

8 doctor answers

Infected Implant After Brest Reconstruction No Radiation

Had double mastectomy with expander placement. One expander became infected and was removed. Have since had bilateral silicone implants placed with...

4 doctor answers

Areola Skin Graft on an Implant Due to Mastectomy

Is it normal for a skin grafted areola (tissue used from the other breast) to open up in spots, but heal over? Does this mean the graft didn't...

6 doctor answers

Will Abdomen Tissue Help with Right Breast Tightness?

I have had reconstruction (2005) left breast is awesome, right breast keeps getting tighter and tigher - I've been told due to radiation. It...

4 doctor answers

Staph A Infection 6-weeks Post-op Double Mastectomy with Reconstruction, How will this Effect Healing?

Can you please tell me more about the success rate of healing cellulitis in a reconstructed breast using IV antibiotics (Penicillin G) vs. surgical...

2 doctor answers

4 Month Old Seroma, Post Mastectomy-still Draining Through Incision, Have any Doctors Dealt WIth This Before?

I had a mastectomy/expander over 9 months ago. Detected skin breakdown, before radiation. After radiation, seroma developed & has been aspirated...

4 doctor answers

Slipped Implants 5 Years After Breast Reconstruction

My implants slipped..I am not sure if the internal stitches tore? Now for a number of years the implant is definately slouched down in the pocket....

7 doctor answers

Pain 3 Months After Implant Exchange Surgery

I had silcone implants placed after bilateral mastectomy. I had a lot of discomfort with expanders but felt I would get relief once final implants...

2 doctor answers

Hi I Recently Had Breast Recontruction What Cup Size is a 600 Cc?

Recently had breast reconstruction due to breast cancer. i wanted to know what cup size is a style 45 600 cc of Natrelle thanks

5 doctor answers

Pain with Implant. Is This Normal?

I had a mastectomy in Feb 2010. Reconstruction with expander then silicone implant. Revision in Oct.2010 to make the shelf for the breast and...

6 doctor answers

Breast Implants After Breast Cancer

I am 20yrs female before one year my left breast have removed because of cancer and in the same time i did reconstruction, my left breast is smaller...

4 doctor answers

Breast Reconstruction Implant Revision - More Expansion Needed?

I saw a plastic surgeon because I am having pressure and pain across my chest. I have a 250 cc implant. He told me that my current implant is way too...

6 doctor answers

Tightness, Pulling and Pain After Breast Reconstruction- What Can I Do?

I had reconstruction with textured silicone implants April 2011. I had continued tightness across my chest, with pulling sensations that did not get...

2 doctor answers

I Had a Bilateral Mastectomy, and Antibiotics Don't Seem to be Helping an Infection, Options? (photo)

I had a bilateral mastectomy on 7/21/11. Tissue expanders were placed at that time. I am currently filled to 655ccs on the left and 705 ccs on the...

1 doctor answer

What Happens to Extra Skin After Breast Reconstruction?

I was expanded to 600cc, thinking I would get 550cc implants, but the surgeon only put in 450cc and there is loose skin. Will the shrink (I am 56). I...

5 doctor answers

Will surgery be covered for post reconstruction complication (contracture) under Medicare?

4 doctor answers

Do the Skin Flaps from Mastectomy Grow Thicker over Time? (photo)

I had bilateral skin and nipple sparing mastectomy with immediate reconstruction with 800 cc silicone implants in July.I am unhappy with the...

5 doctor answers

Is Scar Tissue Removal Possible After Breast Implant Reconstruction and Radiation?

Last year I had a mastectomy due to multiple malignant phyllodes tumors. Immediate implant reconstruction surgery took place. I underwent 31 days of...

4 doctor answers

What's the Recommended Hospital Stay for Breast Reconstruction Surgery?

On average, is this just a day surgery that I will go home a few hours later?

6 doctor answers

Reconstrution Implant Bottomed out After Mastetomy

I had a bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstrution using expander implants. my right side went considerably lower hence, no fold at the bottom....

3 doctor answers

Can I Have Breast Reconstruction Revision and Get a Larger Size?

I chose a full B cup, but doctor wanted bigger. Now that I am 3 years out from chemo, I think I do want to go to full C/D. I have a different fuller...

5 doctor answers

Could Chiropractic Work Have Damaged Implants For Breast Reconstruction?

I had many Chiro adjustments about 1 year after my breast reconstruction. I was wondering if the could cause the implants to be damaged? The...

3 doctor answers

Drainage After Failed Breast Reconstruction

I experienced a partial failure of a DIEP reconstruction. After chemo, I underwent a fat graft to fill out the breast. However, my surgeon found and...

6 doctor answers

When Can I Start Scar Massage Post Mastectomy?

I had a prophylactic mastectomy with expanders put in 6 weeks ago and I keep forgetting to ask my doctor about scar massage. My incisions have...

3 doctor answers

Unhappy With Asymmetry After Reconstruction/ PMB- Revision?

I recently(2 weeks ago) had my expanders exchanged for implants. I am so unhappy. My left breast is higher and larger than my right. My PS told me I...

6 doctor answers

What is Nerve Damage and What Does It Look Like?

I have loose and pitted skin down my arms.I am starting to feel weak in the muscles under my arms. This has happened since my breast reconstruction....

3 doctor answers

Post Breast Reconstruction: Will my Fibromas Make My Right Breast Larger or is it Just Swelling?

I have NF1 and my right breast has fibromas and was much smaller then my left breast. I got breast surgery, My left 225 CC. My right breast 275 CC for...

3 doctor answers

My Silicone Gel Implant is Flat in the Nipple Area, Will That Round Out?

I am 5 days post op and this was placed after my expander that was in place post mastectomy. The scar is across the area tha is flat, so I don't...

5 doctor answers

I Have Severe Pain After the Exchange of Tissue Expanders for Silicone Implants 2.5 Weeks Ago, Why Would this Be?

I had a b/l mastectomy for DCIS in 9/2011 with tissue expander placement (with Alloderm) and was always very uncomfortable with the expanders. I am...

2 doctor answers

Are Reconstructed Nipples Always Hard?

When a nipple is reconstructed after mastectomy, will it always have the hard look? Ie, will they always look like they're "nippin'...

3 doctor answers

How Long Will It Take to Recover Nipple Sensitivity After Breast Mastectomy?

3 doctor answers

Why Would Implants After Skin Sparing Mastectomy Be Smaller Than The Surgeon Said They'd Be?

I had a skin sparing mastectomy due to the BRCA 2 gene. I am about 5'1" tall and about 125lbs. My expanders were filled to 500cc and they...

2 doctor answers

Is It Best to Have Reconstruction Right After a Mastectomy or Delay It a While?

This is my second battle with breast cancer and I did not have a full mastectomy the first time, so I am this time. There is a significant amount of...

8 doctor answers

Possible That Body Is Rejecting Implant Due to Autoimmune Disease?

Due to a mastectomy, I had a breast implant. I have had to replace the implant 14x, my body rejects it, i get scar tissue and the breast gets very...

4 doctor answers

Why Did I Have a Bad Reaction to Silicone- I've Heard There Are No Silicone Allergies?

BRCA 2 positive,Profolatic Double Mastectomy, bad reaction to expanders of brest reconstruction waited 6 months then tried again,reconstruction with...

5 doctor answers

How Long Does It Take for Nipple Reconstruction to be Ready for Tattooing?

2 weeks post nipple reconstruction after bi-lateral mastectomy, How long does it take to heal before tattooing can normally be done? How long does the...

3 doctor answers

Can the Pectoral Muscle Be Manipulated to Bring the Implanted Breasts Closer Together? (photo)

Hi Doctor, Recently I had bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders. I noticed that my pectoral muscles push the breasts apart (towards my armpits)....

7 doctor answers

Implant Surrounded By Adhesions And Scarring, And Want It Removed Safely. What's The Best Way?

I had a radical double mastectomy in 1974. I've had 11 surgeries on left side due to adhesions, rupture, scarring. I'm 68. I have small saline...

4 doctor answers

2 Years After Mastectomy/Reconstruction Still Have Tight Chest Feeling and Pain, What Can I Do?

I had a double bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction 2 years ago and am still having a boa constrictor feeling around my chest. The pain...

1 doctor answer

When is the Right Time for Revision Surgery on Reconstructed Breast? (photo)

I have a 585cc cohesive gel implant (under muscle) as a result of double mastectomy w/construction. I have "side boob" and I'm wondering...

3 doctor answers

What Can Be Done to Fix a LAT Flap That is Painful and Twitchy?

I had a bilat DIEP reconstruction in conjunction with a bilat mastectomy. One side had horrendous complication/infections and ultimately had to be...

3 doctor answers

Second Try with Breast Expanders. Last Removed Due to Infection. Now Having Another. Why?

I need to know why I keep having these infections. in the right side of my chest wall, is it because my cancer started there and they removed my lymp...

3 doctor answers

Infection at Wound Site Following Mastectomy, Should I Worry?

Surgeon treated with 3% peroxide and said it would scab over and then slough off. Should I be worried. No fever present.

3 doctor answers

Are my Implants Leaking?

I had reconstruction 10 years ago with silicone implants...Suddenly my left breast looks smaller and has a small pocket of loose skin on it. Is it...

11 doctor answers

Tissue Necrosis After Breast Reconstruction. I Would Rather Be Flat Than Look Like This? (photo)

I had skin sparing bilat mast, breast recon with TEs. 1 week later had reaction to surgical tape. PS said remove tape. I did so and discovered tissue...

3 doctor answers

What Are the Long-term Expectations of a Breast Reconstructions After Cancer Surgery?

How often are surgeons able to make the breasts look identical during the first surgery following a mastectomy? What is the realistic number of...

5 doctor answers

What is a Typical Post-op Visit Schedule After Implant Reconstruction?

For tissue expander-to-implant reconstruction following bi-lateral nipple sparing mastectomy for breast cancer, what is a typical follow up schedule...

3 doctor answers

How Soon Can Implants Be Exchanged After Breast Reconstruction?

I have just undergone a prophylactic mastectomy for breast cancer prevention. Two weeks ago, my tissue expansders were exchanged for 410 MF 335s. I am...

1 doctor answer

3 Months Since Double Mastectomy with Immediate Reconstruction, Why Does the Shelf/sling Still Hurt and How Long Will It Last?

1 doctor answer

Shoud my Silicone Implants Be Hard?

Hi I had my brests removed and they put in silicone implants and the are dead hard and uncomfortable, they got put in on 01/04/11 I don't know how...

4 doctor answers

Is It Okay to Go Scuba Diving with Tissue Expanders In?

7 doctor answers

Second Time I Need Pocket Adjustment. What Causes This?

I had bi-lat mastectomy 12/2009. I am small frame and was 38D. I have high profile silicone breast implants (550cc)which fit into my 38D bras. I had...

3 doctor answers

How To Achieve Nipple Projection After Alloderm Extrusion?

Should I try alloderm again or do I have any other options for projection. This is very important to me. I had left mastectomy with muscle sparing...

2 doctor answers

Alloderm Line Across Breast After Reconstruction- Normal? Permanent?

I just finished the expansion process for breast reconstruction after a prophylactic mastectomy and stopped at 425cc. After the 350cc fill the left...

5 doctor answers

Breast Reconstruction Rippling. Previous Fat Grafting to Help With Ripples. Minimal Results. Suggestions?(photo)

I am a 29 year olf female 1.5 years post breast reconstruction with submuscular high-profile mentor silicone implants (450cc). I am experiencing...

5 doctor answers

I Had Breast Reconstruction Surgery I Am Retaining Fluids, Should I Move More or Less?

I have developed a seroma in my chest after getting the expanders in place, should i move more or less?

3 doctor answers

Is It Common To Have So Many Problems With Breast Reconstruction Or Is It Just A Fluke?

I have had 5 operations on my left side and I have had a sling put in but it is still wrinkled and awful looking. The right side I had an accident...

3 doctor answers

2.5 Months Post-Op Lumpectomy and Radiotherapy in One Breast, Will Massage Help it Drop?

The OK breast has sort of settled (baggy skin in cleavage) on the other hand the cancer breast is in a bit of a mess. It is very high and as I move my...

1 doctor answer

What if my New Nipples Have Too Much Projection? Easy to Do or Leave Them Alone?

Nearing the end of a year long ordeal with breast cancer, reconstructive surgery. I have had the nipple reconst done approx 4 weeks ago and I am...

7 doctor answers

What is the Best Way to Relieve the Pain During Recovery After a Breast Reconstruction Operation?

Would hilotherapy help for a faster healing process after the procedure?

2 doctor answers

What Causes the Loss of the Inframammary Fold?

After my implant surgery I did not have an inframammary fold on the side that had cancer. I was told that because both breasts did not have the same...

2 doctor answers

My Expander Has a Leak, What Can Be Done for Proper Expanding?

One of my expander is leaking and everytime its expanded, it stays up for about a day and a half. Can I get a good stretch?

3 doctor answers

Staph Infection Following Tissue Expander and Implants. Could I Have Prevented This?

I had tissue expanders due to cancer, implants were put in on 11/22, got staph on 12/12, left implant removed wed after xmas. Ur saying staph...

2 doctor answers

How Long Should One Wait Before Having a Nipple Replacement?

After a breast reconstruction following surgically treated breast cancer, when would be the best time for a nipple replacement procedure?

3 doctor answers

Size Revision to One-step Breast Reconstruction?

I had a bilateral mastectomy with one-step reconstruction. Prior to the surgery I was a 36DD and wanted to go smaller with the surgery - that did not...

2 doctor answers

I Had Double Tram Flap and Now I Have a Blister on my Left Breast Where I Had the Tissue Flap? (photo)

4 months Post Op. Any input would be great, no rads no heating pads , zero sun.. cancer was in right breast 8years ago . I was stage 3 her2 nu.. I...

2 doctor answers

Breast Reconstruction

I have been experiencing pain in my ribcage where my implant connects. I generally sleep on my side but due to pain have been sleeping on my stomach....

1 doctor answer

I Have Had Implants For 2 years After Expanders, and Now Experiencing Pain. Why?

Now i got my inplants after 2yrs right breast is hurting could of i hurtt i from lifting weights

4 doctor answers

What is a Typical Timeframe To Keep in Tissue Expanders After Final Fill?

How long should tissue expander stay after final fill? I had my last fill on Feb 15 and now 370cc,I feel that my PS is in a hurry for the...

5 doctor answers

How Will my Right Breast Capsular Contracture After Reconstruction Be Surgically Corrected? (photo)

I want more aesthetic results with the left too. In my previous questions I am getting responses on how I should be happy with my reconstruction...

3 doctor answers

New Complications Post Bilateral Double Mastectomy with Reconstruction

I've just completed 2 wks IV treatment with Pen G for cellulitis (staph a). Now, 5 days later I have a sinus infection and was put on Biaxin...

1 doctor answer

Is it Normal for the Surgery to Remove Expander is Separate from the Surgery to Repair Inframammary Fold?

My doctor had to set up separate surgery to repair loss of inframammary fold after surgery to remove expander. He says that sometimes this is...

6 doctor answers

Saline Implant Rupture After Reconstructive Surgery

Hi! I am a 28 year old who had BMX with immediate recon with TE's in Janauary 2011 and (saline)implant exchange surgery April 2011. In the last...

4 doctor answers

Breast Reconstruction and May Want Revisions, What Are my Options?

I had breast reconstruction about five and half years ago. I am debating about having it redone to correct some problems. My skin is so thin over the...

2 doctor answers

Rippling with Implants After Reconstruction? (photo)

I had reco after a m with silicone implants. I have what I guess may be "rippling" in my left breast. I had an expander leak around 280 ccs...

2 doctor answers

How Long Should You Stop Smoking After a Dtrap?

On march 4th 11 i stopped smoking by using the patch. one month before my surgery on 6/7/11 i stopped the patch and was nicotine free. on november 22...

2 doctor answers

Post DIEP Bulge and Charlie Horse- What's The Cause?

I am 11 mos. post DIEP and 4 wks post stage 2 (a little lipo done on abdomen) and have had a random cramp on lower rt side for last 9 mos. and slight...

1 doctor answer

Dehiscence of Abdominal and Breast Wounds Following Diep Flap Surgery and Possible Link to Ehlers Danlos Syndrome?

Wounds started dehiscing at 2-3 wk post op.Told to Silvadine all wounds but ab eventually had to be packed. I'm 9 wks post op.Ab wound is 3 cm...

1 doctor answer

Is a Breast Revision for Reconstruction After a Matectomy Normally Covered by Insurance?

I was wondering if a revision surgery for breast reconstruction after a mastectomy is normally covered by insurance? Are there certain things that...

2 doctor answers

An Infection Keeps Reoccurring Following Surgery, Should I Worry?

In Aug. 2011 I Had a Nipple & Skin Sparing Bilateral Mastectomy. I'm Very Fortunate to Have Been a Good Candidate for This, but I keep...

3 doctor answers

Minor Fluid Build-up 2 Months After Breast Tissue Excision, How Long Should this Last

I had excision of a fairly large amount of breast tissue. Everything went well, except that now, 2 months later, I am having minor fluid build-up on...

2 doctor answers

I Had Breast Cancer in 2003 at Age 39, Had a Double Mastectomy, What Are Options for Implant Revision?

My right side is tight and uncomfortable (radiation?). I also never sweat on my right side (lymph nodes were all removed). My left side is flabby and...

4 doctor answers

One Side is Hard and Higher Than The Other 1 Week After DIEP. Will It Drop?

I just underwent a surgery for Breast Reconstruction..I had a DIEP Flap procedure done September 2011 and just had another surgery to finish. Implants...

2 doctor answers

Developed a Large Hematoma Over Whole Breast After Breast Surgery, How Long for This to Heal?

I had breast surgery 3 wks ago for mass removal (2 masses). I developed a large hematoma over whole breast. It has improved but the area to the right...

2 doctor answers

Necrotic Nipple (Size of Baseball) Due to Radiation. What Can Done Besides Surgery?

After Double masectomy,(nipple sparing, used alloderm, immediate implants) have nacrotic right nipple and below. (size of baseball) for 16 weeks due...

4 doctor answers

Should I Wait Until my Breast Are Removed to Return to Work?

I have a tissue expander in left chest, i am going for my third fill today. Should i wait until breast expander to be removed before i return to work?...

1 doctor answer

Will replacement of the breast implant occur simultaneously?

I had breast reconstruction after a mastectomy, but the appears to have leaked. When they remove the silicone implant, will they be able to put in a...

4 doctor answers

Typical Recovery for Be-lateral Mastectomy with Reconstruction?

What is the typical post-op for a bi-lateral prpphylactic mastectomy and possibe capsular contracture along with it. i don't know if i have cc or...

1 doctor answer

Chest Exercise After Reconstruction?

I've found a lot of information on this site about how it's ok to do upper body exercise with under-the-muscle breast implants, you'll...

1 doctor answer

What Exercises Can I do to Help Move Expanders Down?

I am almost finsihed having my expanders filled. I had bilateral mastectomy performed with tissue expanders inserted. They are very hard and my...

2 doctor answers

Will my Breast Be Smaller After Necrosis Being Removed Surgically?

I was involved in a mva last year in june. The safety belt did a lot of damage. Ilost 200ml of my breast due to 3 operations on my breast(abcess that...

2 doctor answers

Melanoma Tumor Removed from Breast 1 1/2 Year Ago Now More Painful then Original Surgery?

I had a metastasized melanoma tumor surgically removed from my breast a year and a half ago. About a year later I started having burning sometimes...

1 doctor answer

Why Do I Have Pain in Muscle Pocket 3 Years After Bilateral Mastectomy?

My muscle pocket is thick on side of left breast. 3 yrs out from BC with Bilateral Mastectomy with saline implants under muscle. Constant pain in...

3 doctor answers

Is It Necessary to Start From Square 1 When Changing Implant Type For a Breast Reconstruction Revision?

When doing a revision for implant reconstruction do you have to start over from square one ie if the implant is going to be larger and or a different...

2 doctor answers

Following Breast Cancer, Got Saline Reconstruction in 2002, Now Experiencing Itching Inside Breast. What's The Cause?

Breast Cancer 2001, 2009 and Brain Cancer 2011 April . I Do Not Have a Rash, and the Only Medication I Am on is Aromasin. I Had reconstruction in...

1 doctor answer

Can I Get Lidocaine for Nipple Sensivity After Breast Cancer Surgery?

1 doctor answer

Had A Double Mastectomy April 10th, and Have To Go In To Have Dead Skin Cells Removed. Is This Common?

I am 34 and had a double mastectomy April 10th and have to go in tomorrow to have dead skin removed. Is this common? Also, will the skin be fine once...

3 doctor answers

Alloderm Only at Mastectomy? I Need A Second Opinion.

Hello, I had a unilateral Mastectomy and have seen 5 PS so far, and everyone has a different approach. One Ps says alloderm should only be used at the...

1 doctor answer

Strattice Was Used and in the Cleavage Area the Strattice is Lumpy And Bumpy. Is This Normal? Will It Go Away?

I had a lumpectomy and radiation on my right breast 4 years ago. 3.2 weeks ago I had implant exchange with strattice in the right breast. Now I have a...

1 doctor answer

How Often is Breast Reconstruction Revision Surgery Needed for People Who Had a Mastectomy?

Will a mastectomy be enough, or are there needs for breast reconstruction that most patients consider?

1 doctor answer

I Had Reconstructive Breast Surgery and Feel like the Breast Size is too Small, is Going Bigger an Option?

After my surgery. I felt I was way to small, he told my chest is wide, he put a size 14 with 600cc. I was very clear that I wanted a full big bust. I...

1 doctor answer

Explanders Deflating. Should I Be Charged Additional?

I 5 weeks ago had explaners put in and they are both deflating ,if you were my doctor would you stand bye your work and fix the problem .or tell me...

1 doctor answer

How Long Do Jackson Pratt Drains Stay in After Bilateral Mastectomy?

I had bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction with TEs April 3, 2012 and it is now May 7 and I still have 2 drains. My PS won't take drains out...

1 doctor answer

Care of Implants After Swapover from Expander. Can I Go in Water?

I am in the middle of a breast reconstruction, and am having my expander swapped over for the implant on the 13th June. We are booked to go on a...

1 doctor answer

I'm Still Having Swelling and Pain, I Can't Even Walk on Treadmill W/o Swelling and Tightness. Is This Normal?

I have had an mastectomy followed by latissimus dorsi flap, tissue expander, then breast implant Dec 13th 2011, nipple reconstruc. Feb 2,2012. same...

Implant Closure Split Completely Open. What Are My Options?

Bilateral mast with immediate expanders followed by chemo and radiation. L implant (radiation side) removed 2x, once prior to radiation, once...

4 doctor answers

Post Surgical Care to Minimize Scaring After Breast Reconstruction?

What restrictions, activities or therapies are helpful during healing from a breast reconstruction?

1 doctor answer

Should or Can I Get Pregnant After Chemo and Bilateral Tram Flap Surgery?

1 doctor answer

How Long Can Tissue Expanders Remain in Safely?

I am currently active duty in the Army and being treated for tuberous breast. Have completed the expansion process and just in the waiting period...

2 doctor answers

I Am 68 Had a Mastectomy 6/2008 Reconstruction 5/2009 Developed Pseudomonas Had Implant Removed 12/2009. Should I Try Again?

1 doctor answer

What Are my Options After a Failed LAT Flap?

Inflammatory Breast Cancer- 5/10 Radical Mastectomy on left then chemo & radiation. 4/11 Total Mastectomy on right & tissue expanders on both....

3 doctor answers

Breast Reconstruction with Tissue Expanders: When TEs Are Implanted What is the Usual Amount of Saline Injected at That Time?

I had bi mast 4/3/12 with TEs. PS filled TEs with 700 cc's each. 1 week later sutures were gaping open an eighth inch. He took off 100 cc's...

1 doctor answer

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