Reconstruction/Fat Grafting and Getting Back to "Me" Again... - Key Biscayne, FL

Double radical with radiation, little encouragement for any reconstruction...asking my radiologist after 1 year post radiation, "why can you not put some fat in there?" as I felt instinctively that this would improve the contraction and adhering of my skin to my ribs...which also was causing scoliosis to my spine...My radiologists comment "it probably would be of great benefit, but is simply is not done."
Not taking no as an answer, I found Dr. Khouri and his information and began my research on-line to this approach.
I've now had several surgeries to build up the base. My right mastectomy, non radiated is finished, perfect and better than my "original" model after nursing 2 children...and my left radiated side has now a healthy fat layer between skin and ribs and is making it's way to matching my right side. I will have one more surgery this coming June...and anticipate a possible final touch up in September. From there, I will finally put my 5 years post mastectomy behind me and celebrate new form and regained function.The most amazing benefits have blessed me with this procedure, I can again look up at the stars without skin stretched tight and pulling uncomfortably...but most of all....I am regaining feeling in chest and radiated arm pit...and best of all...my lymphedema has improved beyond all expectations!I am so very thankful to have found Dr. Khouri and his most caring staff! They have changed my life!

Each and every time, this procedure and Dr. Khouri works miracles. when I wandered into my radiation Dr. for my one year follow up, I asked him, why cannot they put some fat where I'm contracting and adhearing to my ribs....his answer.....it's just not done. Well news flash, it is, it is marvelous and greatly improving my quality of life. Get this...I not only lost the lymphedema egg I can now feel my pit..and no longer risk cutting myself shaving anymore.

I had my surgery this a.m. back at the hotel relaxing...will be walking about town tomorrow, thrilled and blessed.

Wishing you all a happy day!

As this is a process and I am in "progress", my next surgery will complete my right/non-radiated side. My left will require another, the radiation has been more challenging and slower to release from where my skin had adhered to my chest wall (even with therapy), but it is coming. Greatest gift is the missing "egg" in my arm from lymphedema build up. It's now down to dealing with a minimal swelling that causes some tightness on occasion. No where near the discomfort I used to have. Big gift and really the objective, to improve the damage done. Wishing you all well on your journey!