Mastectomy, breast reconstruction with tummy tuck?

I'm a BRCA positive 40 year-old in excellent health, normal weight. I'm having a prophylactic mastectomy with immediate, "one-step" reconstruction (using Alloderm and silicone implants).

Could I have a tummy tuck at the same time? I have lumpy results from a previous abdominal liposcution and a nasty appendectomy scar I'd love to be rid of!

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8 answers to “Mastectomy, breast reconstruction...”

A: Breast reconstruction and Tummy Tuck

Steven Wallach, MD

A single stage implant and alloderm can be done provided that you have a skin sparing mastectomy, although it is much harder to "get it right" in a single stage.  I would defer the tummy tuck to a later stage. Too bad you had liposuction of the abdomen, becasue you could have been a good... more

A: A lot of advice, but different answers

Robert M. Freund, MD

Dear Pretty Mongoose, I have reviewed the answers from the other doctors and they are all slightly different, which means that there is no right answer. Just to summarize: No one likes the one stage breast reconstruction - nipple areolar reconstruction should be performed at a separate sitting. Breast... more

A: You could but maybe shouldn't

Christopher L. Hess, MD

I understand the decision making process that you have undergone to get to this point and repect your decision.  However, I would suggest reconsidering a one-stage immediate reconstruction.  Rarely does this produce a result that rivals a two or three stage reconstruction.  In addition dermal... more

A: You can have the abdominoplasty at the time of your nipple reconstruction.

George J. Beraka, MD

To Prettymongoose, Hi.  Based on our experience with bilateral prophylactic mastectomies with immediate reconstruction, I seldom recommend one stage reconstruction  --even though it sounds so appealing --  because it is associated with frequent  need of revisions and it is most applicable... more

A: Complete your breast reconstruction first!

David L. Kaufman, MD

I agree with many of the central concepts written by the surgeons above.  Breast reconstruction with implants following prophylactic mastectomy is usually a straight forward procedure with few complications, however, problems may arise that may not be readily apparent during surgery or even in the days to... more

A: Assess risks first

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD

I am assuming you are getting bilateral prophylactic mastectomies. While it is possible to do the reconstruction and abdominoplasty simultaneously, you should have your surgeons assess the risk of the procedures. From a healing point of view, the incisions and undermining necessary might reduce blood flow to... more

A: Consider different reconstructive options

Steven H. Williams, MD

There are many different reconstructive options for breast cancer.  For patients that are interested in removing abdominal tissue you should talk to your surgeon about using that tissue to reconstruct your breasts.  You can get excellent long term results with a very natural looking breast (most... more

A: It could be possible but remember the 6 hour rule

Richard P. Rand, MD

The answer to this question would depend entirely on the opinion and practice experience of your surgeon. Assuming that you could perform the surgeries in less than 6 hours, it might be reasonable to proceed. If it would take longer than that for your doctors to perform their procedures, it would be wise to... more

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Comments

prettymongo
2 posts
2 Jan 2009

I appreciate the answers. I am not a candidate for TRAM flap or even DIEP as I don't have enough excess fat to create size C breasts so those considerations don't factor into this decision. (I don't want GAP, TUG or the other variants.) I will certainly look into Dr. Yuan's concerns about healing complications and positioning of the implants.

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