POSTED UNDER Breast Implant Revision REVIEWS
Breast Cancer is Behind Me and I'm Finally Ready to Love my Breasts Again. San Francisco, CA
ORIGINAL POST
In 2009, I had invasive ductal carcinoma, which,...
WORTH IT$40
In 2009, I had invasive ductal carcinoma, which, when the final pathology report came in, turned out to be an unusual form of it (tubular carcinoma) with a fantastic prognosis -- almost 100% survival at 10 years.
I had a lumpectomy, with 4 lymph nodes removed (no lymph node involvement), radiation. I declined tamoxifen because of the tubular carcinoma diagnosis, and breast cancer is now long behind me.
In Feb 2010, March 2010, and finally May 2010, I had silicone implants with mastopexy. The idea was to give my unaffected breast a little more volume and a lift, and to match my irradiated breast. There were a few issues, not least that the third surgery was to replace the implants sub-glandular, as dr. and I had discussed, since he implanted them sub-muscular. He apologized but it was a big bummer. I was startled after the first surgery when he told me that revision was very common, and I wondered why he hadn't told me that in advance, as I thought that it would be once and done. The second surgery was done on an emergency basis when one of the sutures opened spontaneously about 4 weeks after surgery and the implant was removed and replaced.
Also, the lift was evidently more complicated than he thought it would be and the scarring was much more extensive than he had described to me (I did later tell him that it would have been much better for me had I known that this was a possibility -- he hadn't mentioned any result other than a scar around my areola). I saw his surgery notes once when I was alone in the examination room, and they mention a problem with what they call the "Snoopy" deformity and that apparently is what necessitated the more invasive technique.
I was never particularly happy with the result, and honestly I'm pretty sure it has a lot to do with the unfortunate experience I had with the three surgeries, together with complete loss of sensation in my nipples, which are now erect 100 percent of the time. Over time, my breasts have become more asymmetrical. My right breast (the irradiated one) looks like the implant is riding too high, while my left breast is sagging forward. I look fine in clothes but I don't like the way they look naked. I think they're also too large. I have no medical problems with them. But I would like to have the implants removed, and have appropriate work done to have them be symmetrical and shaped properly.
I don't have a picture yet but I know that my issues are comparatively minor cosmetically and I have been concerned about whether having revision/explanation/mastopexy/possibly new implants would give me the result that I want or whether it would be worth the scarring and surgery etc to have another slightly unsatisfactory result.
I had a consult with Dr. Karen Horton on Friday, May 8, and she immediately saw the issues I did and is confident that she can give me the results I'm hoping for. Evidently, I have capsular contracture in my left breast, and the beginnings of it in my right (irradiated) breast. She described the work she is planning, and I'm very optimistic.
I had a lumpectomy, with 4 lymph nodes removed (no lymph node involvement), radiation. I declined tamoxifen because of the tubular carcinoma diagnosis, and breast cancer is now long behind me.
In Feb 2010, March 2010, and finally May 2010, I had silicone implants with mastopexy. The idea was to give my unaffected breast a little more volume and a lift, and to match my irradiated breast. There were a few issues, not least that the third surgery was to replace the implants sub-glandular, as dr. and I had discussed, since he implanted them sub-muscular. He apologized but it was a big bummer. I was startled after the first surgery when he told me that revision was very common, and I wondered why he hadn't told me that in advance, as I thought that it would be once and done. The second surgery was done on an emergency basis when one of the sutures opened spontaneously about 4 weeks after surgery and the implant was removed and replaced.
Also, the lift was evidently more complicated than he thought it would be and the scarring was much more extensive than he had described to me (I did later tell him that it would have been much better for me had I known that this was a possibility -- he hadn't mentioned any result other than a scar around my areola). I saw his surgery notes once when I was alone in the examination room, and they mention a problem with what they call the "Snoopy" deformity and that apparently is what necessitated the more invasive technique.
I was never particularly happy with the result, and honestly I'm pretty sure it has a lot to do with the unfortunate experience I had with the three surgeries, together with complete loss of sensation in my nipples, which are now erect 100 percent of the time. Over time, my breasts have become more asymmetrical. My right breast (the irradiated one) looks like the implant is riding too high, while my left breast is sagging forward. I look fine in clothes but I don't like the way they look naked. I think they're also too large. I have no medical problems with them. But I would like to have the implants removed, and have appropriate work done to have them be symmetrical and shaped properly.
I don't have a picture yet but I know that my issues are comparatively minor cosmetically and I have been concerned about whether having revision/explanation/mastopexy/possibly new implants would give me the result that I want or whether it would be worth the scarring and surgery etc to have another slightly unsatisfactory result.
I had a consult with Dr. Karen Horton on Friday, May 8, and she immediately saw the issues I did and is confident that she can give me the results I'm hoping for. Evidently, I have capsular contracture in my left breast, and the beginnings of it in my right (irradiated) breast. She described the work she is planning, and I'm very optimistic.
janey47's provider
Replies (4)
May 17, 2015
I went to Dr. Horton's website and she does wonderful work. I had to ck out her other procedures. You are very lucky to have found her. What I really liked with her reconstruction photos was that they are not all "perfect"..she points out that some have rippling, etc. Some PS show only their perfect work and slide over or the patient doesn't "hear" the possible complications. Your first PS/MD sounds like the "slide over" type. That's past so just focus on the future and a great outcome. I had DCIS in one limited area 12yrs ago and ck'd out all treatments/options. Lucky in one aspect that we have a group of PS here that specialize in breast reconstructions and totally body reconstructions following massive wt loss. My friend went to one of them following breast cancer in 1 breast and later diagnosed in the other. First breast was done with graft from lower abdomen and then with 2nd there was no fat left so she had implant reconstruction. They match amazingly well and look very similar to her huge natural breasts!! If I had to have mastectomies, her PS/surgeon would have been my choice. My oncologist prescribed Tamoxifen for 5yrs and nothing else, except mammograms every 5 mo for the 5yrs and then yearly. It's been 13 yrs now and so far so good. Good luck and keep us informed.
August 4, 2015
Just read a comment you made that your surgery has been moved to 8/27. Correct me if I'm wrong! Also, we'd love a review update when you have time!
August 4, 2015
Awesome. I see you have a surgery date set, thanks to Beth. Yes, we'd love an update when you are able to. Congratulations on your upcoming surgery! I bet you are super excited?
UPDATED FROM janey47
3 months pre
Pre-revision pictures
These pictures go some ways toward illustrating the issues. First, my left breast has capsular contracture and so is misshapen and protruding even as it sags. My right breast, which has the lumpectomy scar on my areola (which I surprisingly don't mind but which will be fixed, too), really wonks into a weird shape when I raise my arms. I couldn't get a good capture of this, but will keep trying. The profile photo with my arms down gives some idea of the poor shape at rest.
Replies (9)
May 15, 2015
I should mention that the tattoo around my breast pre-dates the cancer. It is a line from a poem by David Whyte, and it reads "Give up all the other worlds except the one to which you belong." Also, I realized I haven't said this before, I'm planning to have my implants downsized so that my breasts end up as about a B cup (I'm currently a C+/D-).
May 16, 2015
Oh your pictures are very helpful but I have to be honest, they're not nearly as bad as you described. But I understand that you're seeking some symmetry and other tweaks...and I'm praying this revision with the smaller implants goes well for ya! ;)
May 16, 2015
The CC may have contributed party to the distortion and unhappiness with your breasts. What kind of mastopexy did you have? I see scars around the areola, but it's hard to see if you have vertical and horizontal scars underneath your breasts. If not, perhaps a more aggressive lift with smaller implant will give you the desired look you want? You should post some of your wish pictures, or show them to your doctor and see if your desired goal can be achieved or at least come close. As for a more aggressive, full lift. It does leave a bit of scarring, and takes at least a year for the scars to blend in better with your skin tone. They don't completely fade. How big are your implants now? How big or small do you want to be? Are you OK with scars for a perkier look? What exactly is your desired goal? Congratulations on beating cancer. I cannot tell you how lucky and happy I am for you. Best wishes always...xoxo
May 18, 2015
Thanks, Lynn, I did have the "lollipop" scars with the initial lift and, five years later, they are not very noticeable. I definitely want a full lift and smaller implants. I don't recall the size but I think they were in the 300cc neighborhood. Looking for smaller and perkier. :-)
May 18, 2015
Hi Janey, I had my revision 9 weeks ago tomorrow. I downsized and got another full lift (already had the scars). My implant size is 305 and I wear a 32/34 B-cup. If you want perky, then stay with a small implant. The lift will last longer with a small implant, and if you don't mind the scars, the full lift is the way to go to achieve that longer lasting result. Everyone differs, and some can get away with just a lollipop lift, but with the quality of my skin and breast tissue, the full lift was what I needed to get the result I wanted (super perky). I know my breasts will relax with the passage of time (they always did and do), but that's life and plastic surgery really is only temporary if you think about it. I think an implant below the 325cc range should be small enough (depending on your anatomy) and give you a long-lasting, small and perky look. You should post some wish pics soon, so we can all get a better idea of what you're hoping to expect, or close to it. Hope you're doing well...xoxo
August 11, 2015
Thanks, Lynn! I'm so glad to hear from someone who downsized. That appears to be rare!
August 11, 2015
I agree. There are but a few uncommon cases of women who want to downsize. Most feel they didn't go big enough; however, I've met a couple women here -- we definitely exist but we are not the norm, who feel too big I am so happy I downsized, but feel I could have went smaller, and plan to downsize again in the future when I need another lift. Wished I would have went smaller than my current 305cc, but I can accept this size, move on, and deal with downsizing again when the time arrives. Hope it isn't too soon as I would prefer to avoid another major surgery at this time. I am currently less than a week away from my revision nearly 5 months ago. Good luck to you...xoxo
September 15, 2015
I was just going to compliment your tattoo. Beautiful!
September 15, 2015
Thanks so much! There's actually quite a bit of very pretty ivy -- the poetry is woven into it for the most part.
UPDATED FROM janey47
3 months pre
more (better?) illustrations
Although I know that, comparatively, my cosmetic result isn't awful, it was very validating for Dr Horton to see what I see. I honestly don't know to what extent this breast can look fully natural but I'm glad to know that she thinks it can be improved.
I told my boyfriend beforr I saw her that I'd like smaller breasts but I wouldn't go through surgery for that result alone.
I told my boyfriend beforr I saw her that I'd like smaller breasts but I wouldn't go through surgery for that result alone.
Replies (2)
May 17, 2015
I am so sorry you are going through this. I pray the PS can fix this for you. Thank you for sharing and God Bless!
August 4, 2015
I also had breast cancer; what began as DCIS and was diagnosed as stage 1 after surgery. I also had lumpectomy and radiation. The radiated side is numb/tingly/painful at times. I am looking into a breast lift with fat grafting.
I feel for you with the numbness issue, and will be following your progress and praying for a healthy, happy outcome for you! Breast cancer SUCKS.
Sincerely,
Amy ;)
I feel for you with the numbness issue, and will be following your progress and praying for a healthy, happy outcome for you! Breast cancer SUCKS.
Sincerely,
Amy ;)
Congratulations on conquering the cancer! Glad to hear your consult went well last Friday and that you and your doctor have a plan for your revision. Hang in there...I have read many breast reconstruction members getting more than one surgery to get their final look. I understand you want to look good in your clothing and not in your clothing. ;)