I am interested in the direct-to-implant breast reconstruction technique versus the expanders. If I am an A/B cup now, would it be possible to go to a full B if I did the direct-to-implant technique? Could I even go bigger to a small C?
May 21, 2018
Answer: Implant size with direct to implant breast reconstruction. thank you for your question. This is a very common question that I get asked by my patients. being able to place an implant immediately after mastectomy depends on several factors and to me the most important factor is the status of the blood supply to the skin after mastectomy. Your breast surgeon will do whatever necessary to do the best operation for your breast cancer. Reconstruction follows this. When I am doing these procedures, I use a machine called the spy to look at the blood flow to the skin after mastectomy. If the blood flow is adequate, then I am able to place the final implant. If the blood flow is not adequate, the patient may get a tissue expander instead. In very rare cases, we are unable to perform reconstruction at the time of mastectomy and will have to come back in a couple of weeks. I always make my patients who want direct to implant reconstruction aware that there are those three possibilities after mastectomy. Please also understand that even if you get a direct to implant reconstruction, you may need other revision procedures In the future to improve the aesthetic appearance of the breast. Please consult with a plastic surgeon board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery to learn about all of your options for breast reconstruction. Best wishes! Rahul Vemula, MD Double Board Certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon
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May 21, 2018
Answer: Implant size with direct to implant breast reconstruction. thank you for your question. This is a very common question that I get asked by my patients. being able to place an implant immediately after mastectomy depends on several factors and to me the most important factor is the status of the blood supply to the skin after mastectomy. Your breast surgeon will do whatever necessary to do the best operation for your breast cancer. Reconstruction follows this. When I am doing these procedures, I use a machine called the spy to look at the blood flow to the skin after mastectomy. If the blood flow is adequate, then I am able to place the final implant. If the blood flow is not adequate, the patient may get a tissue expander instead. In very rare cases, we are unable to perform reconstruction at the time of mastectomy and will have to come back in a couple of weeks. I always make my patients who want direct to implant reconstruction aware that there are those three possibilities after mastectomy. Please also understand that even if you get a direct to implant reconstruction, you may need other revision procedures In the future to improve the aesthetic appearance of the breast. Please consult with a plastic surgeon board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery to learn about all of your options for breast reconstruction. Best wishes! Rahul Vemula, MD Double Board Certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon
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May 21, 2018
Answer: How big can I go with direct to implant breast reconstruction? Yes, it really depends on how much space you have to put the implant in but you should have enough to place a good sized B or C. Dr. Ed Domanskis
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May 21, 2018
Answer: How big can I go with direct to implant breast reconstruction? Yes, it really depends on how much space you have to put the implant in but you should have enough to place a good sized B or C. Dr. Ed Domanskis
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