Possible to Do Single-stage Breast Reconstruction Years After Mastectomy?

asked 2 years ago by kotie in chicago
Latest answer by C. Bob Basu, MD
Question viewed 423 times
Tags: 110-129 lbs

I had a bil mastectomy in 2007, I was only a AA cup. I do not want more than that as I was comfortable. I am a small woman, 118 pounds. Would it be feasible to do a single stage operation at the time of insertion and not have to have tissue expanders over a period of months. I also have reservations about implants with a national average of 50 percent failure at 7 years. Thank you

9 answers to Possible to Do Single-stage Breast Reconstruction Years After Mastectomy?

Delayed Breast Reconstruction

The answer to your question depends on the amount and quality of skin remaining at your mastectomy site. In addition, did you undergo radiation therapy? This will determine if you can be considered for a one stage reconstruction with implants. However, for delayed reconstruction, even in the best case scenario, a single stage reconstruction can only achieve a fairly small cup size results. If you are looking for implant based reconstruction, you will most likely... more

C. Bob Basu, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon

www.basuplasticsurgery.com

Breast Reconstruction

Only after examination your surgeon will be able to discuss your options in breast reconstruction. Depend on the history, did you have radiation? quality and amount of skin? do you want implant reconstruction or autologus tissue reconstruction? See a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and discuss all your options.

Samir Shureih, MD
Baltimore Plastic Surgeon

Single-stage breast reconstruction years after mastectomy

Yes it is possible, but you need an in-person evaluation from a board certified plastic surgeon. Than it can be determined if you are a true candidate for single staged breast reconstruction. From MIAMI

Darryl J. Blinski, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

Staging breast reconstruction

If you have loose skin and have not been radiated and want to be very small, it might be possible just to put in some implants without expansion. Generally though the look is better if you expand the lower pole before placing the implants. You sound too thin for a tissue flap from the abdomen which would be the other way to achieve a single stage breast mound reconstruction.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Unlikely to be able to do single-stage breast reconstruction

You would more likely need a multiple stage reconstruction unless you go with very small implants and no nipple/areolar reconstruction. Most women in your situation would have better results with a staged reconstruction. Best Regards.

John P. Di Saia, MD
Orange Plastic Surgeon

Breast reconstruction after mastectomy

Because you had a mastectomy 3 years ago, it would be unlikely to be able to perform a single stage reconstruction. The skin would most likely be tight. However, an autologous tissue reconstruction can be performed only requiring one small office based procedure to create the nipple and areola.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Single stage breast reconstruction

It depends on what you want to accomplish in a breast reconstruction: a breast mound with otr without a nipple? An implant is the most practical way of achieving an implant. Complication rates are higher if you underwent radiation therapy and in this instance autogenous tissue may be a preferred albeit more complicated option. The use of fat injections is an emerging possibilty which you may want to consider for a minor size increase. Please see reference below.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Single-stage delayed breast reconstruction

I believe what you are referring to is simple insertion of implants without expansion. A single-stage reconstruction general refers to a complete restoration of the breast mound and nipple reconstruction. This is most commonly done during an immediate reconstruction using a latissimus flap. While it might be possible to place a small implant, the shape and final position of the reconstructed breast may not allow accurate placement of the nipple areola complex and the amount of tissue... more

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Immediate breast reconstruction

Given that you had your mastectomies 3 years ago, I do not think you are a candidate for "single-stage" breast reconstruction. I feel certain that a fair amount of skin was taken at the time of your mastectomy (since you didn't have immediate reconstruction), and therefore, you will require the tissue expansion process. You will end up with a more aesthetic outcome if you undergo the two-stage reconstruction [tissue expansion for 3 months followed by exchange to gel implants]... more