Saint Louis General Surgeons

Breast Lift vs. Lift w/ Implants for Upper Pole Fullness

I am torn between having a lift only OR a lift with an implant to get the upper pole fullness. To add the implant I would require a reduction as I do not want larger breasts as am I a D cup now. Can I get a small implant (250cc) and accomplish what I desire? After 5 consults I have 2 doctors that recommend w/ implant and 3 without.

If you are happy with the current size of your breast and only want your breasts lifted, then you would be a candidate for a breast lift.  It does not make sense, in my opinion, to do a breast reduction and add an implant.  Make sure your surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery

Samer W. Cabbabe, M.D.

Board - certified plastic surgeon

St Louis Plastic Surgery Consutants
 

Samer W. Cabbabe, MD

Saint Louis Plastic Surgeon

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 the same breast, so I had a mastectomy. I tried an immediate expander and implant, but it failed due to an infection pretty quickly. Since then I have had nothing. I now want to try the expander/implant again at the recommendation of a good PS who thinks I have about a 75% chance of success this time. Do you think this makes sense? I have 3 young children and really want to avoid the tram process if possible, but I would love to throw out my inserts. Any input is much appreciated!! Stephanie

In my opinion, I believe that anyone who has radiation should have their own tissue used to reconstruct the breast, particulary if they have already failed implant reconstruction.  The only exception would be if there is no tissue available to use (e.g. the latissimus muscle is gone or there is inadequate tissue in the abdomen to reconstruct).  Be cautious and consider a second opinion or third opinion.  Make sure your surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery

Samer W. Cabbabe, M.D.

Board - certified plastic surgeon

St Louis Plastic Surgery Consutants
 

Samer W. Cabbabe, MD

Saint Louis Plastic Surgeon

Expanders and Radiation

I had double masectomy Sept 29 and expanders at same time. Have had much pain with right expander and must have 30 radiation treatments after chemo is finished. Radiation therapist now says expanders should never have been put in when radiation is going to be needed. The left tumor was 7cm and right 3.5cm. What should I do?

Your current situation is not rare.  If radiation is not anticipated at the time of mastectomy, expanders can be placed.  An experienced radiation oncologist should be able to radiate with an expander present.  If there is an issue, your plastic surgeon can deflate the expander prior to radiation.  However, not that you are undergoing radiation, I highly recommend you talk to your board certified palstic surgeon about replacing the expander with your own body's tissue.   The complication rate is extremely high for expanders and implants after radiation because the tissue will no longer be pliable and leads to implant exposure and subsequent infection.

Samer W. Cabbabe, MD

Saint Louis Plastic Surgeon