Do I Need Spacers if I Don't Have Cancer or Will Not Receive Radiation?

I have a strong family gene of breast cancer. Im probably going to have a double mastectomy before I get the cancer. I would like to have everything done at one time, the removal and the reconstruction at the same time what are my options?

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4 Doctor Answers | Asked by anna41811

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Not all implant reconstructions require expanders...

As several other plastic surgeons have suggested, there are a variety of options available to an individual undergoing bilateral prophylactic mastectomies who desires immediate breast reconstruction. When you go to your PS, the consult will consist of a review of what options are most suitable for your body (i.e. do you have enough tissue on your abdomen to provide suitable volume for bilateral breast reconstruction? are you a better candidate for implant-based reconstruction?).... more

Immediate breast reconstruction for BRCA 1/2 gene mutation patients

Anna41811: Given that you have a genetic disposition towards developing breast cancer but have not yet developed it, you are taking a courageous, proactive stance in accepting a double mastectomy and immediate reconstruction. There are two major reconstructive options: a) autologous (using your own tissue) or b) alloplastic (using expander/implants). Consult with a BC/PS to find out the risks, benefits and be aware of your health status as well as aesthetic goals. If your... more

Lavinia Chong, MD

22 reviews

Orange County Plastic Surgeon

www.chongmd.com

Breast reconstruction

There are many options for breast reconstruction. Autologous tissue( using your own tissue) is one option with many choices including free flaps(DIEP, Free TRAM) and pedicled flaps (TRAM, LD). Non-autologous reconstruction includes tissue expander to implant reconstruction or direct to implant reconstructions.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Mastectomy

The reconstruction would depend on the type of mastectomy your breast surgeon wants to do. You need to consult a plastic surgeon who can communicate with the breast surgeon to see what mastectomy is being done and the plastic surgeon then can give you all the options in breast reconstruction 1: Reconstruction with implants 2: Reconstruction with TRAM flap or 3: Reconstruction with Latismuss dorsi flap with or without implants 4: Free Flap reconstruction You need to... more