POSTED UNDER Breast Reconstruction with Latissimus Flap REVIEWS
Explant to Latissimus Dorsi Flap Reconstruction After BII
ORIGINAL POST
Explant to Latissimus Dorsi Flap Reconstruction After BII
hcorbettJuly 1, 2023
WORTH IT
5 yrs after double mastectomy with implant reconstruction and many years of adverse health conditions and much research into breast implant illness I decided to explant and reconstruct with a latissimus dorsi flap procedure.
My local plastic surgeon highly recommended Dr Lin. I am very happy with the outcome both in its appearance and in its improvement of more than 15 symptoms of BII, which I am convinced had I not removed my implants would have in time become more and more debilitating effecting both my social and professional life. Although making the decision to explant was not emotionally easy, knowing I had options and had a wonderful surgeon made things easier. I was given ample opportunity to ask questions and was included in all decisions making. As BII is still a controversial diagnosis amongst many in the plastic surgery/ breast reconstruction field it was very important to me that I found a surgeon who was open to listening to my experience with implants after many years of seeing multiple specialist for an influx of new symptoms/illness since there placement. It is not unusual for a plastic surgeon to simply recommend to replace the old implants with new ones (they do make money off these devices afterall) but in this case Dr Lin was very respectful and generally interested in what I believed to be best for my health. I was quite adamant that not only the implant be removed but also the capsule as I was fully aware as a healthcare professional myself that there was a type of cancer specific to implants themselves and if a few cells were to be left behind within the capsule could put me at risk. Some surgeons have been known to dismiss this as obviously getting a capsule out intact can be more challenging. Dr Lin did a fabulous job and even provided me with photos to give me the assurance I needed that they were removed intact and in their entirety.
My latissimus dorsi breast reconstruction has provided me with the look I wanted, reduction of symptoms and peace of mind.
In regards to BII I expect continued improvement on my symptoms as I am aware it may take several years to completely detox. I also highly suggest anyone considering this surgery plan on doing months of physical therapy as you have now changed the anatomy and you need to make sure your scars do not adhere. Seek a PT who is knowledgeable of breast reconstruction. And as a side note, if you have unexplanded symptoms after implanting often misdiagnosed with the catch phrase diagnosis of fibromyalgia , unexplainef hair loss, changed in vision, rashes etc please watch the documentary Explant on paramount plus.
Best wishes on your breast cancer journey and if you have been fortunate to find Dr. Lin a part of this journey I am confident you’re in good hands.
My local plastic surgeon highly recommended Dr Lin. I am very happy with the outcome both in its appearance and in its improvement of more than 15 symptoms of BII, which I am convinced had I not removed my implants would have in time become more and more debilitating effecting both my social and professional life. Although making the decision to explant was not emotionally easy, knowing I had options and had a wonderful surgeon made things easier. I was given ample opportunity to ask questions and was included in all decisions making. As BII is still a controversial diagnosis amongst many in the plastic surgery/ breast reconstruction field it was very important to me that I found a surgeon who was open to listening to my experience with implants after many years of seeing multiple specialist for an influx of new symptoms/illness since there placement. It is not unusual for a plastic surgeon to simply recommend to replace the old implants with new ones (they do make money off these devices afterall) but in this case Dr Lin was very respectful and generally interested in what I believed to be best for my health. I was quite adamant that not only the implant be removed but also the capsule as I was fully aware as a healthcare professional myself that there was a type of cancer specific to implants themselves and if a few cells were to be left behind within the capsule could put me at risk. Some surgeons have been known to dismiss this as obviously getting a capsule out intact can be more challenging. Dr Lin did a fabulous job and even provided me with photos to give me the assurance I needed that they were removed intact and in their entirety.
My latissimus dorsi breast reconstruction has provided me with the look I wanted, reduction of symptoms and peace of mind.
In regards to BII I expect continued improvement on my symptoms as I am aware it may take several years to completely detox. I also highly suggest anyone considering this surgery plan on doing months of physical therapy as you have now changed the anatomy and you need to make sure your scars do not adhere. Seek a PT who is knowledgeable of breast reconstruction. And as a side note, if you have unexplanded symptoms after implanting often misdiagnosed with the catch phrase diagnosis of fibromyalgia , unexplainef hair loss, changed in vision, rashes etc please watch the documentary Explant on paramount plus.
Best wishes on your breast cancer journey and if you have been fortunate to find Dr. Lin a part of this journey I am confident you’re in good hands.
hcorbett's provider
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