Munster Breast Reconstruction doctors
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David A. Robinson, MD
Munster Plastic Surgeon
10110 Donald S. Powers Dr. Suite 201A, Munster |
8 answers | |
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Robert Frank, MD
Munster Plastic Surgeon
929 Ridge Road Suite 6, Munster |
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1 answer |
Recent Answers
I am having breast reconstruction surgery in April. I presently have expanders bilat. The pain I am experiencing EVERY morning is located 180 degree on the upper part of the L. breast. It radiates to the axilla and portion of the arm. The L. breast is where I had the cancer. The pain is subsided after 30 min. after I get out of bed.
I believe the muscles are not supporting the expander; therefore, causing the pain. I will be talking to my Dr. about alloderm. Can the alloderm be added when the implants are placed or is it too late?
Alloderm can be used during stage 1 (immediate) breast reconstruction, when tissue expanders or implants are placed following a mastectomy. It can also be placed during stage 2 breast reconstruction (when tissue expanders are removed and replaced with implants).
Alloderm serves several functions including:
1) allowing the inframammary fold (fold under the breast) to be reestablished and
2) allow the breast pocket, under the chest muscle, to be larger thereby allowing more room for an implant as well as the ability to place a larger implant.
In terms of the breast discomfort you are experiencing, the alloderm may help by increasing the size of the breast pocket thereby creating decreased tightness around the implant that will be placed. Your pain may also be addressed by placing an implant that is smaller than the volume of your tissue expander. Lastly, you may benefit from a capsulotomy/ capsulectomy (internal breaking up/ removal of scar tissue that forms around an expander) to address your pain.
Good luck.
I had bilateral breast reconstruction w/ saline implants almost 17 years ago. The implants lasted 13 and 15 years, and deflated due to capsular contraction. Does this increase my risks with the Style-410 implants? How long do they last? I am 50 years now and don't want surgery again at 65-70 years.
Also, I have minimal tissue thickness over the implant in one of the breasts. Will the implant look natural w/ very little tissue thickness over it? I have been waiting for the implant approval for 2 years now. Would free flap bilateral reconstruction be a better for a low-maintenance natural look?
First of all, biting off a bilateral free flap reconstruction is a lot so talk with some patients who have had it done before choosing this alternative.
Second, the size of your reconstructive breasts will be limited using bilateral autologous tissue. Be sure to understand the size you'll be as it may be smaller than you want.
Third, 17 years is a good long time for implants to last. Will you really care at 70 years old if you have some capsular contracture. Hopefully, you'll be a vigorous, active 70 year old but you need to ask how important soft breasts will be to you then.
Finally, for the majority of patients the CPG or style 410 implant is desirable but just because its new and of limited availability. Be sure you understand what this implant feels like before you sign on for it.
Hope I'm not too much of a wet blanket but, please go into this with both eyes open.
For breast reconstruction, do you recommend a latissimus flap over my implant? Which is best?
There is no best option for breast reconstruction. Each patient and situation is different and should be treated as such. Factors to be taken into account include the need for radiation therapy, previous surgeries, the body habitus of the patient and the experience of the surgeon.
Generally speaking, when a latissimus flap is used, an expander followed by replacement with an implant at a later date, is preferred. This is due to the lack of bulk that exists with the latissimus flap alone. An implant will provided the added bulk the latissimus flap is lacking.
Prior to proceeding with any breast reconstruction, make sure you schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon. He/ she will be able to examine you, discuss what procedure will work best for your situation and explain the risks and benefits associated with a particular procedure.
Your plastic surgeon can also answer any questions you may have regarding your surgery and postoperative recovery.
Good luck.