My PS is a multi board certified PS who is considered one of the best in my area. He would like to do my reconstruction in two steps, but will do one step if I choose. He feels that my final results will be better with the two step. He feels that overall he will have much more control, ability to tweak and flexibility. The tissue expander process seems like horrible pain and so much extra time. Do you agree? Opinions appreciated. I am 5'6 130 with a 31"rib cage and a Full A.
Answer: The Real Deal on Direct to Implant Reconstruction. Hello! Thank you for your question. I agree with what your plastic has told you. In most surgeons' hands, the 2-stage tissue expander to implant breast reconstruction will create better results given the more gradual stretching of the muscle/tissue, the ability to control the reconstruction not only during the expansion, but also at the 2nd stage, as well as the ability to perform other adjunct procedures at your next procedure, including possibly fat grafting, nipple reconstruction, and improving the shape/breast pocket. A direct-to-implnat procedure is also an excellent option. Certainly, as for all forms of breast reconstruction, the decision on which procedure, if any, will be up to you. There are various options in breast reconstruction which you should have been educated and informed of, and your surgeon should help you decide which option will be the right decision for you and what you wish to go through. Given your apparent petite size and small body habitus with 'A' cup breasts, without an examination, I am unsure if direct-to-implant breast reconstruction would be a reasonable decision. Almost inevitably, you will be slightly smaller than your preoperative size, if skin/tissue (including your nipple-areolar complex) is removed. I would discuss the various options with your plastic surgeon so that you are able to make an informed decision of which reconstructive option you choose. Hope that this helps! Good luck with your decision and best wishes for an excellent result!
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Answer: The Real Deal on Direct to Implant Reconstruction. Hello! Thank you for your question. I agree with what your plastic has told you. In most surgeons' hands, the 2-stage tissue expander to implant breast reconstruction will create better results given the more gradual stretching of the muscle/tissue, the ability to control the reconstruction not only during the expansion, but also at the 2nd stage, as well as the ability to perform other adjunct procedures at your next procedure, including possibly fat grafting, nipple reconstruction, and improving the shape/breast pocket. A direct-to-implnat procedure is also an excellent option. Certainly, as for all forms of breast reconstruction, the decision on which procedure, if any, will be up to you. There are various options in breast reconstruction which you should have been educated and informed of, and your surgeon should help you decide which option will be the right decision for you and what you wish to go through. Given your apparent petite size and small body habitus with 'A' cup breasts, without an examination, I am unsure if direct-to-implant breast reconstruction would be a reasonable decision. Almost inevitably, you will be slightly smaller than your preoperative size, if skin/tissue (including your nipple-areolar complex) is removed. I would discuss the various options with your plastic surgeon so that you are able to make an informed decision of which reconstructive option you choose. Hope that this helps! Good luck with your decision and best wishes for an excellent result!
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March 3, 2014
Answer: Direct to Implant Breast Reconstruction Direct to implant reconstruction is a great tool. You can have almost no sag in the breast when you perform this. It is also best for small to medium size breasts. The reason is that you have to increase to volume you put in at the time of surgery. It is a very good technique.Three
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March 3, 2014
Answer: Direct to Implant Breast Reconstruction Direct to implant reconstruction is a great tool. You can have almost no sag in the breast when you perform this. It is also best for small to medium size breasts. The reason is that you have to increase to volume you put in at the time of surgery. It is a very good technique.Three
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February 27, 2014
Answer: Direct implant reconstruction As an extremely experience reconstructive breast surgeon, I completely agree with your surgeon. Almost every patient needs that second procedure to modify (move the implants in, improve symmetry), fat graft etc. The problem with using an implant in one surgery also is that you may not be happy with the final size. I would not be overly concerned about "stretching" since the same volume could be put in the expander as an implant in a one stage. The other advantage is the volume can be reduced if the skin is compromised. Direct to implant is overrated and higher risk in my opinion. I will do it if a patient insists and it is a nipple sparing mastectomy in a patient with minimal droopiness of their breasts.
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February 27, 2014
Answer: Direct implant reconstruction As an extremely experience reconstructive breast surgeon, I completely agree with your surgeon. Almost every patient needs that second procedure to modify (move the implants in, improve symmetry), fat graft etc. The problem with using an implant in one surgery also is that you may not be happy with the final size. I would not be overly concerned about "stretching" since the same volume could be put in the expander as an implant in a one stage. The other advantage is the volume can be reduced if the skin is compromised. Direct to implant is overrated and higher risk in my opinion. I will do it if a patient insists and it is a nipple sparing mastectomy in a patient with minimal droopiness of their breasts.
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