Best type of breast reconstruction

Sam Jejurikar, MD 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 years old and weigh 104 lbs. I have no fat in my stomach.

I had a mastectomy in January followed by radiation. I would like to have reconstruction on one side and a definite lift on the other. One doctor says do the one step latissimus dorsi with implants on both sides; the other says do a deip flap muscle sparing. Who is right?


Sam Jejurikar, MD
1 month ago

Hi,

There really is no one best type of breast reconstruction - the approach needs to be individualized to the patient.  A DIEP (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator) flap can be an elegant option to reconstruction with minimal morbidity to the abdominal wall and a very natural looking result.  If you do not have any fat on your abdominal wall, however, the size of the reconstructed breast may be limited.  A one-stage latissimus with implants will allow for a larger reconstructed breast. 

Given that you have had radiation therapy, both surgeons are correct in wanting to use some kind of flap in your reconstruction; implants by themselves would not have nearly as good a result.

Ultimately, your choice of operation will depend on your choice of surgeon.  If you cannot make up your mind, a third opinion from someone who has the opportunity to talk with you and examine you may be useful.

Best of luck.  Hope this helps.

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