No body is right or wrong. It all depends on what you want from the surgery and what you are willing to go thru. One is a shorter recovery and the other is a very big surgery with prolonged hospital stay. The diep flap is complicated and will take anywhere from 6-10 hours depending on who is... more
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?
Sort: Date | Helpful
6 answers to “Help with choosing method for breast...”A: Radiation treatment usually means you need to use your own tissue to cover the implant for best res
Radiation treatment leads to changes in the skin and tissues which make contracture very likely if you try to reconstruct the breast with an implant alone. Utilizing tissue for your back or abdomen is an excellent option for optimal results - the "right"answer depnds on your preferneces.
A: After radiation and mastectomy, plan for a flap
Hi Connecticut, I agree with others in that after mastectomy with irradiation, you require some kind of "flap". A flap refers to any piece of tissue moved from one area of your body to another. The basic list of donor sites are abdomen (TRAM, DIEP), back (latissimus), upper thigh (TUG),... more
A: Breast reconstruction in irradiated breast
All options are available to you 1. implant only-limits are that you will only be able to place a small implant 2. Tissue expander, then implant- would make it possible to get a larger implant but the use of implants has higher risks of wound problems and capsular contractures in irradiated tissues. 3.... more
A: Some radiated breasts can be reconstructed with implant alone.
Hi! 1) At 104 pounds, I doubt that you have enough excess abdominal tissue for a DIEP flap. So, without examining you, I would say the latissimus flap sounds better. 2) If there are no radiation changes in your skin, we sometimes do breast reconstruction in radiated patients just... more
A: Best type of breast reconstruction
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... more
IMPORTANT: As noted in our Terms of Service, the information found on RealSelf.com, including that provided by professionals in the Questions & Answers area, is a general educational aid. The Questions and Answers contain opinions and views created by community members. RealSelf.com is not responsible for the accuracy of any information posted by community members. Do not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical or healthcare advice, or for diagnosis or treatment purposes.