I had a unilateral mastectomy (left side), and an expander placed 3 weeks ago. My plan was to reconstruct with the DIEP flap procedure. I am concerned about using one implant re: aging/ symmetry/ etc. (I will have a lift/reduction on the right side). Now i'm inclined to do the shorter, less invasive implant surgery for reconstruction. How common is it to reconstruct with an implant after a unilateral mastectomy? what are the risks or concerns of this approach vs. DIEP reconstruction?
September 21, 2015
Answer: Unilateral mastectomy Reconstruction I reconstruct unilateral mastectomies with implants with great frequency. The "match" presents some challenge, but achieving a perfect match with autologous tissue is not a certainty, either. Implant technology has come a long way, with several different shape options for each implant size. Attention to the shape of the remaining breast is very important. Fat grafting is my "go to" technique for improving symmetry and correcting contour abnormalities.Projecting persistent symmetry, over time, is a tall order. Normal physiologic changes in our bodies, weight gain / loss, and gravity all take their tolls on even the most perfect native breasts.That being said, having been in practice for over 20 years, I have had patients on whom I performed TRAM reconstructions in the 90's return for reconstruction of the remaining breast after a second mastectomy. I find that implant based reconstructions can be the equal of autologous reconstructions.
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September 21, 2015
Answer: Unilateral mastectomy Reconstruction I reconstruct unilateral mastectomies with implants with great frequency. The "match" presents some challenge, but achieving a perfect match with autologous tissue is not a certainty, either. Implant technology has come a long way, with several different shape options for each implant size. Attention to the shape of the remaining breast is very important. Fat grafting is my "go to" technique for improving symmetry and correcting contour abnormalities.Projecting persistent symmetry, over time, is a tall order. Normal physiologic changes in our bodies, weight gain / loss, and gravity all take their tolls on even the most perfect native breasts.That being said, having been in practice for over 20 years, I have had patients on whom I performed TRAM reconstructions in the 90's return for reconstruction of the remaining breast after a second mastectomy. I find that implant based reconstructions can be the equal of autologous reconstructions.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
September 19, 2015
Answer: Options You may want to consider autologous reconstruction. Many women prefer to utilize their own excess skin and fat on their tummy (essentially using excess tissue that would be thrown away in a cosmetic tummy tuck) with a procedure called a DIEP free flap (tummy tuck breast reconstruction). In this procedure, we move healthy tissue with its own bloody supply and healing potential to restore the chest wall and breast after cancer treatment. Autologous (using your own tissue ) reconstruction is especially powerful after radiation therapy. As you are learning, there are limitations with implant based reconstruction. Although implants are very safe, they are foreign bodies. Whereas autologous reconstruction helps to restore a soft supple breast using your own tissue. Please see a board certified plastic surgeon who is well versed with autologous reconstruction to learn more about your options.Dr. BasuHouston, TX
Helpful
September 19, 2015
Answer: Options You may want to consider autologous reconstruction. Many women prefer to utilize their own excess skin and fat on their tummy (essentially using excess tissue that would be thrown away in a cosmetic tummy tuck) with a procedure called a DIEP free flap (tummy tuck breast reconstruction). In this procedure, we move healthy tissue with its own bloody supply and healing potential to restore the chest wall and breast after cancer treatment. Autologous (using your own tissue ) reconstruction is especially powerful after radiation therapy. As you are learning, there are limitations with implant based reconstruction. Although implants are very safe, they are foreign bodies. Whereas autologous reconstruction helps to restore a soft supple breast using your own tissue. Please see a board certified plastic surgeon who is well versed with autologous reconstruction to learn more about your options.Dr. BasuHouston, TX
Helpful