Do breasts that have been reconstructed after mastectomy (skin/nipple sparing with implants below the pectoralis muscle and then allograft placement) really soften with time? If so, how long does it take? The breasts are now extremely firm (6 weeks post-op) and they haven't softened at all - they feel more like implants that have encapsulated! Also, the skin appears darker and redder - will it go back to its normal skin tone?
Answer: Breast reconstruction As time passes the swelling in the soft tissues resolves. This may take several months. Discoloration can occur for a number of reasons. A physical exam and review of your records would be necessary for a recommendation. For my patents with the skin issue I usually will perform fat grafting.Three basic forms of breast reconstruction exist. You can use your own tissue, implants or a combination of the previous two techniques. Your own tissue can be used in the form of the DIEP flap, PAP flap, SGAP flap or fat grafting. Implants can be done in one stage or two stage. Two stage reconstructions are started by placing expanders at the time of mastectomy. Once they expanders are placed they are able to be inflated as determined by wound healing. The final time consists of combining any of the above techniques. If you are interested in being seen in Austin please give us a call. I know this is a difficult time for you. The majority of my practice is devoted to reconstruction for women with breast cancer or who are BRCA+
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CONTACT NOW Answer: Breast reconstruction As time passes the swelling in the soft tissues resolves. This may take several months. Discoloration can occur for a number of reasons. A physical exam and review of your records would be necessary for a recommendation. For my patents with the skin issue I usually will perform fat grafting.Three basic forms of breast reconstruction exist. You can use your own tissue, implants or a combination of the previous two techniques. Your own tissue can be used in the form of the DIEP flap, PAP flap, SGAP flap or fat grafting. Implants can be done in one stage or two stage. Two stage reconstructions are started by placing expanders at the time of mastectomy. Once they expanders are placed they are able to be inflated as determined by wound healing. The final time consists of combining any of the above techniques. If you are interested in being seen in Austin please give us a call. I know this is a difficult time for you. The majority of my practice is devoted to reconstruction for women with breast cancer or who are BRCA+
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CONTACT NOW March 29, 2014
Answer: Softenning of breasts and skin color after reconstruction. How long will this take? Hello! Thank you for your question! This is a great question that is often asked. The time certainly does vary amongst women after the procedure. I typically tell women that it normally take approximately 2-3 months for things to settle down. It is known that swelling is persistent up to week 6, at which time, swelling and inflammation slowly subside from that time. I would discuss things that you can do with your plastic surgeon, including compression garments, ice packs, and implant massage, to ameliorate some of your complaints. It is difficult to answer your question about discoloration without an examination or photo, however, there is some normal reddening after any surgical procedure. However, an evaluation would be recommended if you have any concern, in order to rule out other causes such as infections, non-healing wounds, and necrosis. Hope that this helps!
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CONTACT NOW March 29, 2014
Answer: Softenning of breasts and skin color after reconstruction. How long will this take? Hello! Thank you for your question! This is a great question that is often asked. The time certainly does vary amongst women after the procedure. I typically tell women that it normally take approximately 2-3 months for things to settle down. It is known that swelling is persistent up to week 6, at which time, swelling and inflammation slowly subside from that time. I would discuss things that you can do with your plastic surgeon, including compression garments, ice packs, and implant massage, to ameliorate some of your complaints. It is difficult to answer your question about discoloration without an examination or photo, however, there is some normal reddening after any surgical procedure. However, an evaluation would be recommended if you have any concern, in order to rule out other causes such as infections, non-healing wounds, and necrosis. Hope that this helps!
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April 3, 2014
Answer: Breast Reconstruction - Post-op healing Thank you for your question. I would give it another six weeks to see how much improvement you get but if you don't get much, it's sometimes a reaction to the allograft and you may need some fat grafting under the skin to improve the texture and color and possibly even a capsulectomy.
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April 3, 2014
Answer: Breast Reconstruction - Post-op healing Thank you for your question. I would give it another six weeks to see how much improvement you get but if you don't get much, it's sometimes a reaction to the allograft and you may need some fat grafting under the skin to improve the texture and color and possibly even a capsulectomy.
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