I was at the end of my reconstruction and had my implant surgery. Everything looked great for the first 2 weeks, then the stitches on the right side started to split and the implant became infected and exposed and had to be removed. A month later the same happened on the left side and the implant was removed. Now I have to start the whole process over starting with the tissue expanders. What causes the stitches to split, could it be it was not stitched up correctly in the first place?
September 12, 2014
Answer: What causes the stitches to split? Could it be it was not stitched up correctly in the first place? I am very sorry to hear about the complications you have experienced. These types of complications can be quite “devastating” especially as you are coming closer to the end of your reconstructive “journey”. I can assure you that these kinds of complications are also very distressing for the plastic surgeon involved. There are a variety of reasons why you may have experienced the complications. Online consultants, will not be able to provide you with specific/meaningful explanations; your plastic surgeon will be your best resource in this regard. Best wishes; hopefully, at the appropriate time, you will be able to undergo breast augmentation.
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September 12, 2014
Answer: What causes the stitches to split? Could it be it was not stitched up correctly in the first place? I am very sorry to hear about the complications you have experienced. These types of complications can be quite “devastating” especially as you are coming closer to the end of your reconstructive “journey”. I can assure you that these kinds of complications are also very distressing for the plastic surgeon involved. There are a variety of reasons why you may have experienced the complications. Online consultants, will not be able to provide you with specific/meaningful explanations; your plastic surgeon will be your best resource in this regard. Best wishes; hopefully, at the appropriate time, you will be able to undergo breast augmentation.
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September 12, 2014
Answer: Suture problems I'm sorry that you had this setback in your reconstruction. This must have particularly tough after you have progressed so far since mastectomy. There are many reasons that surgically repaired wounds could have failed. One is surgical technique in suturing (less likely), infection in the area, poor blood flow/ischemia, too much tension in the area, radiation induced changes which may show a combination if these problems (tight tissues, poor vascularity, etc). Follow up with your plastic surgeon or seek second opinion to ensure that every measure is taken to avoid this in future surgeries. Hang in there! All the best,--Erik Hoy, M.D.
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September 12, 2014
Answer: Suture problems I'm sorry that you had this setback in your reconstruction. This must have particularly tough after you have progressed so far since mastectomy. There are many reasons that surgically repaired wounds could have failed. One is surgical technique in suturing (less likely), infection in the area, poor blood flow/ischemia, too much tension in the area, radiation induced changes which may show a combination if these problems (tight tissues, poor vascularity, etc). Follow up with your plastic surgeon or seek second opinion to ensure that every measure is taken to avoid this in future surgeries. Hang in there! All the best,--Erik Hoy, M.D.
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