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Can scars be excised with breast reduction techniques like an anchor or wise and nipple redone? (Photo)

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karenmahFeb 17, 2015

Original implant after tissue expander 340cc style 40, exchanged for 240cc style 10, exchanged for 260cc style 20, exchanged for 270cc style 10 with z-plasty to improve the scar. The scars are the predominate feature of this reconstruction and have begun to adhere to the muscle. I wonder if removing the implant and starting over somehow is an option.

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Dr. Manish C. Champaneria, MD
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Dr. Manish C. Champaneria, MD
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Dr. Steven Wallach, MD
Dr. Steven Wallach, MD
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Dr. Andrew Kornstein, MD, FACS
Dr. Andrew Kornstein, MD, FACS
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Answered on Feb 21, 2015
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Dr. William C. Rigano, MD (retired)
Dr. William C. Rigano, MD (retired)
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Allen Gabriel, MD, FACS

Thank you for your question and glad to hear that you did have physical therapy after your mastectomy and reconstruction.  Cording can happen after expander or implant placement and it's important for you to return to your physical therapist so the opposite side can be treated.  Given...

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Roxanne Sylora, MD

Typically expanders are left in place for about 3 months after expansion is complete.  This can vary a little from surgeon to surgeon, but each procedure typically does not take very long, nor is the recovery very long.  It should differ greatly from your experience with the initial...

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Keith M. Blechman, MD

Hi and thanks for your question.  If you're referring to tissue expanders in the setting of breast reconstruction there's no specific timeframe.  The waiting interval after the last fill usually depends upon what the surgeon is comfortable with, and any specific aspects related to the...

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Aisha McKnight Baron, MD

Continue to follow the recommendations of your surgeon. Sometimes there is healthy tissue underneath the scab. It is likely that if a portion of the nipple/areola survives, then you will have some patchy pigmentation. This issue requires a lot of patience on your part. The best thing you can do...

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Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS

Variations of the TRAM flap can use the Rectus muscles or not.  Depending on the type that you had, you may have a loss of one, two, or neither of your muscles. Check with your surgeon. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian

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Joel Patrick Maier, MD

What you are describing sounds like Axillary web syndrome or cording. It is thought to be an inflammatory reaction to connective tissue from the trauma of surgery. Fortunately, it is a self-limiting process that resolves in a matter of months. In the meanwhile, you should have a referral to...

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