Breast Reconstruction: Q&A
Ask a Question
Best Option for 60 Yr. Old After Bilateral Mascetomy?
I am in good health other than the cancer and will not require post surgicial radiation or chemo. I am over weight at 140 pounds and am 5'3" tall. I am so incredibily overwhelmed by having to make this choice. I know that I want immediate reconstruction. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you
Tags:
7 Doctor Answers |
Asked by
Lee S.
+1
Breast reconstruction options
I am sorry to hear of your situation but glad you are considering reconstruction. As mentioned, there are many options and if you have not yet had your surgery, implant and expanders are easiest since it can be easily done at the same time as your mastectomy and the resultant symmetry is predictable since you are doing both sides. And you haven't burned any bridges if you decide you would rather use an autogenous technique (your own tissue - often your tummy) later. ...
more
+1
Bilateral Mastectomy after 60 #breastreconstruction
Well, this is a tough one that I go over time and time again in a one hour consult with my breast cancer patients. I think it is great that you are exploring your options in this venue. This is such a tough choice for all women so know you are not the only one. What you do to reconstruct your breasts is such a fine tuned decision between you and your team of surgeons and treating doctors. I am so happy to hear that you will not need radiation because that can really make things tough....
more
+1
You have time to think!
You still have time to think. There are advantages and disadvantages to immediate reconstruction. Both your cancer surgeon and your plastic surgeon will help you decide which is best for you. Not all patients are good candidates for immediate reconstruction. Most bilateral breast reconstructions are done with tissue expanders and implants. Most breast reconstructions have multiple steps, often taking over a year to complete. Your doctors will help get you...
more
You might also like...
Real Stories
Amazing Results! - Nashville, TN
I started the surgical process when I discovered I was BRCA2+. I chose Dr. Wendel to...
+1
Breast reconstruction after mastectomy
There are many options for breast reconstruction after mastectomy. You can go the autologous tissue route( using tissue from your abdomen, hip, buttock, or back). Or you can use a tissue expander and then implant. An exam and discussion in person is the best solution.
+1
Breast reconstruction
My advice is to think about what would make you happy. One way or another the cancer is going to be treated, but what you are left with is determined by the treatment plan. It is a good thing that you will not need radiation therapy although that can change in rare situations where the final pathology is not what is expected pre-operatively. Ask yourself what size and shape would be ideal. That might eliminate or help prioritize certain techniques. Ask if you are accepting of implants. if...
more
+1
Using your own tissue versus implants for breast reconstruction
Thank you for your question.
There are a myriad of determining factors that go into this decision including your goals, lifestyle and ability to have down time. Also, it depends on if you have enough of your own tissue to reconstruct an adequate breast mound. There are many, many factors.
I see new patients for reconstruction all the time and the consults are often 45 minutes to an hour. It is best to have a sit down face-to-face consultation two or more board-certified plastic...
more
+1
Breast Reconstruction Options
It is very difficult to answer your question without knowledge of your breast cancer history and of course a physicial exam. I'm glad to hear you will not require radiation therapy.
For a generic introduction, there are two major categories for breast cancer reconstruction:
(1) implant-based and
(2) using your own tissue (autologous).
There are pro’s and con’s to each reconstructive modality. No one reconstruction is the best. Both implants-based and tissue-only autologous...
more
Comments (0)