My doctor says I don't have enough skin, muscle and NO fat for reconstruction, would I ever be able to get implants?

Hello there

Sorry your situation is not quite clear . Is this for breast reconstruction after mastectomy ?

If you are very thin then the amount of cover for the implants may be limited and they may be very easy to feel and show some visibility with issues such as rippling .

But still having some shape there will certainly be better than leaving you un-reconstructed so I wouldn't despair . Tissue expansion may be the best way to go for you .

Feel free to ask your question again with a bit more detail and maybe a photo .

All the best

Terrence Scamp

We do not know what you are asking without photos. Augmentation or reconstruction?

Basic concepts for reconstruction:

Always start with the safest simplest options first and work up to sophisticated risky procedures as necessary.

 If you have enough good quality tissue, a simple implant.

If you have good tissue but tight, tissue expander and implant.

If you have good skin and muscle on the upper pole, but the lower pole needs skin and muscle, a Latissimus dorsi flap placed in the infra-mammary crease instead of the transverse mastectomy scar can give a very nice lower pole shape in selected patients.

If local tissue is insufficient or radiation damaged then the next level of complexity are distant flaps both attached and free microvascular options.

Remember,  when fancy flaps go well, they are miraculous.  When they fail, they can complicate you life for months and years.  Do the least to get the job done right and safely.


Best wishes. Knowledge is power.  Luis F. Villar MD FACS