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

I'm not sure what you mean by reconstruction. However in very thin individuals even on the implants are placed in a sub muscular position in her silicone filled, contour irregularities can be problematic.

There are always options for reconstructing breasts.  If implants are not an option then there are muscles and other tissue that can be used.  My suggestion would be to visit two or three plastic surgeons so that you can get differing opinions about what might work best for you.

Breasts can often be reconstructed with your body's own tissues. If there isn't enough extra skin or fat on the stomach or back to transfer to the chest, usually breast implants are an option.
In order for implants to be used, there needs to be be healthy chest skin and chest muscle to cover the implant. Often, a temporary expander is placed to help stretch the tissues over a few weeks to months to allow for a larger implant than could be placed immediately after the mastectomy. Sometimes it's not possible to use implants if there are specific circumstances like radiation or removal of the chest muscle, but these are rare.
It sounds like your surgeon probably meant you have too little tissue to reconstruct a proportionate breast, but sometimes your own tissue can still be combined with an implant for a very natural looking result. More information would be helpful.

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

You may not be a candidate for an expander / implant reconstruction but there are several different options available.  I do not know if your surgeon has explained all of your options to you or if you have any medical conditions that are complicating your potential for reconstruction.  

There are many procedures for reconstruction--some using only your tissue and some with implants. I would suggest that you see a board certified plastic surgeon to examine you and discuss your options. Reconstruction is dependent upon what you have, what you would like, and the opposite breast. Good luck to you.

There are many options for breast reconstruction. Of course it depends upon your body habitus. Implants may be an option for you.

If you are a healthy weight or Body Mass Index and fit for surgery with realistic expectations of what you want, you will almost always have an option for breast reconstruction.

If the above factors exist, seek a second a opinion from a plastic surgeon.

Regards,

Dr Kevin Ho

 

Your question is not stated clearly enough to answer.  If you are referring to Breast Reconstruction the tissue can be stretched with a tissue expander to accommodate an implant.  On a rare occasion you can consider the same approach for Breast Augmentation.