I had HER2- node negative breast cancer (right side) in 2013 and had a bilateral skin & nipple sparing mastectomy followed by silicone implants. No radiation or chemo (Onco score was 17). In 2017 my cancer had returned in the lympnodes (right side) and switched to HER2+. Had chemo and full axillary disection followed by radiation - which completed in Dec. Post radiation (2018), I developed capsular contracture. Right breast is higher and very tight & painful. What are my options to correct?
Answer: Capsular Contracture Treatment Hello, and thank you for your question. (Keep in mind that an in-person consultation is necessary for the best advice.) The definitive treatment for capsular contracture includes (at a minimum) implant removal/exchange and total capsulectomy. The use of ADM may also be beneficial. If you decide to pursue surgery it’s very important that you find a surgeon whom you are comfortable with and trust and who evaluates you in-person and tailors an individualized treatment plan for you and your aesthetic goals. Best of luck!Matthew A. DelMauro, M.D.
Helpful
Answer: Capsular Contracture Treatment Hello, and thank you for your question. (Keep in mind that an in-person consultation is necessary for the best advice.) The definitive treatment for capsular contracture includes (at a minimum) implant removal/exchange and total capsulectomy. The use of ADM may also be beneficial. If you decide to pursue surgery it’s very important that you find a surgeon whom you are comfortable with and trust and who evaluates you in-person and tailors an individualized treatment plan for you and your aesthetic goals. Best of luck!Matthew A. DelMauro, M.D.
Helpful
September 14, 2018
Answer: Radiated breast reconstruction Your best chance to achieve favorable breast reconstruction result is to have a free flap reconstruction (DIEP or muscle-sparing free TRAM - depending on anatomy and skin requirements). Anything short of that with likely to prolong the suffering and will not deliver the superior result that you will get with microsurgery. Additional benefit is improvement of the stomach that will look similar to the one after tummy tuck. The patient however needs to be healthy to undergo this procedure and have abdomen that have not been violated by previous tummy tuck, or extensive liposuction.
Helpful
September 14, 2018
Answer: Radiated breast reconstruction Your best chance to achieve favorable breast reconstruction result is to have a free flap reconstruction (DIEP or muscle-sparing free TRAM - depending on anatomy and skin requirements). Anything short of that with likely to prolong the suffering and will not deliver the superior result that you will get with microsurgery. Additional benefit is improvement of the stomach that will look similar to the one after tummy tuck. The patient however needs to be healthy to undergo this procedure and have abdomen that have not been violated by previous tummy tuck, or extensive liposuction.
Helpful