Miami Breast Reconstruction doctors
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Darryl J. Blinski, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon
6705 S.W. 57 Ave Suite 412, Miami |
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75 answers |
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David Bogue, MD
Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon
660 Glades Road Suite 380, Boca Raton |
45 answers | |
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Tal T. Roudner, MD
Coral Gables Plastic Surgeon
550 Biltmore Way Suite 890, Coral Gables/Miami |
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10 answers |
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Armando Soto, MD
Orlando Plastic Surgeon
7009 Dr. Phillips Blvd. Suite 100, Orlando |
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10 answers |
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Max Polo, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon
6280 Sunset Dr Suite 501, Miami |
3 answers | |
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David J. Levens, MD
Coral Springs Plastic Surgeon
1725 University Drive Suite 300, Coral Springs |
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2 answers |
Recent Answers
For tissue expander-to-implant reconstruction following bi-lateral nipple sparing mastectomy for breast cancer, what is a typical follow up schedule starting right after the surgery for exchange to final silicon implants? I understand that healing issues could change the timing and number of post-op visits, but barring serious problems, what is the ideal number and timing over the following weeks and months? Or even years? What might it be for later revision later surgery, if necessary?
Every surgeon differs in their postoperative routine. I perform a large number of breast reconstructions with expanders and implants and my schedule is the following:
- Week 1: 1-2 visits in the first week post-surgery for first drain removal, mastectomy flap check, and monitoring.
- Week 2: Second drain removal and first fill of the expander.
- Weeks 3-?: Weekly fills of the expander until desired volume is achieved. Overfill the following week then wait for 4-6 weeks for pocket maturation.
- Earliest exchange is ~12 weeks, later for longer fill times or chemo/radiation.
After the exchange, the visits certainly space out more:
- Postoperative day 1 - Evaluate for early complication (hematoma). Assess symmetry, position, patient questions.
- Week 2 - Wound check, evaluate for contour issues, fluid, etc.
- 1 month postop, 3 month postop, 6 month postop, then yearly follow up.
- MRI (if gel implants) at 3 years, then f/u every two years afterwards.
As always, every surgeon is different and complications lead to more frequent visits. I probably see my patients more than most surgeons, but I find it leads to a better educated patient and a better result at the end. Hope this helps!
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 completely healed and the scabs have fallen off. How soon should I have started massage? Do I need to do scar massage if the doctor is just going to break up or remove scar tissue during the exchange for implants? I was wondering if I should just do the scar massage after the second surgery instead. Also, how long should I do physical therapy for?
Hey Jess !
I have my patients start massages at 10 days after surgery and continue till 6 weeks post operatively unless specific cases need more or less massages!!
Good luck!
Both of my breast had radiation thearpy due to breast cancer. I'm going to have a biliteral mastectomy with immediate breast reconstruction (DIEP) with skin sparing. Is this a good thing to do with radiated skin? I had my !st radiation in April of 2001 right breast, and the left breast in March 2011. I suffer with Lymphedema in both arms due to lymph nodes removal, and how will that affect the breast reconstriction and me afterwards? Will the swelling in my arms get worse? Please help!!! 3rd time breast cancer survivor. Thank you very much, Ms. shon don
I believe your question s are very hard to explain via the internet. You should discuss these issues in person with the radiation doc, your PS, your oncologist, and GS. There are increased risks in radiated tissue and lymphedema in arms that you need to fully understand. Best of luck.
