Get the real deal on beauty treatments—real doctors, real reviews, and real photos with real results.Here's how we earn your trust.

See All Reviews
See All Reviews
POSTED UNDER Breast Reconstruction with Latissimus Flap Reviews

Breast Implants Scarring Caused Pain for Two Years

UPDATED FROM marybethmaddox
6 months post

Latissimus Dorsi Flap and Dr. Richard Brown

marybethmaddoxJuly 6, 2018
WORTH IT
Just wanted to give accolades to Dr. Brown, who performed the LD Flap surgery for me in January, 2018. I am so lucky to have found him after capsular contracture on both sides from my 2016 surgeries. I was in a lot of pain, particularly across my breast bone, and both breasts were cold! Recovery from the flap surgery was much better than I expected, and other than some tightness in my back (and a scary week with a bad infection) my breasts are now soft and I have very little pain. I have opted out of nipples or tattoos, and feel like I look great again in my clothes. Thanks Dr. Brown! You have my vote for best Plastic Surgeon in Phoenix ...

marybethmaddox's provider

Richard J. Brown, MD

Richard J. Brown, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

marybethmaddox rating for Dr. Brown:

Overall rating
Doctor's bedside manner
Answered my questions
After care follow-up
Time spent with me
Phone or email responsiveness
Staff professionalism & courtesy
Payment process
Wait times

Replies (0)

UPDATED FROM marybethmaddox
4 months post

Three Months After LD Flap Reconstruction

marybethmaddoxMay 4, 2018
Very happy with the expansion at three months. Heading to surgery next week for implants. So glad I found Dr. Richard Brown !

Replies (1)

Linda Whalen
May 4, 2018
Hi, I'm also going in for the same reconstructive surgery. I'm fearful about having back issues. Do you have any back discomfort or pain?
marybethmaddox
May 4, 2018
I was worried about my back because I love to play golf. I have some numbness below the scar but have good range of motion with stretching exercises. I was swinging a golf club after six weeks... could have done sooner but doc would not allow lifting due to expanders. I would say I have some numbness and discomfort, but it is relieved with Tylenol. I would have the LD Flap surgery again based on my experience so far. Good luck to you!
Linda Whalen
May 4, 2018
Thanks for responding. I'm just dreading more pain and discomfort to add to the permanent side effects I live with from chemo and radiation treatment never mind the multiple surgeries to date. My chest kept opening up due to radiation damage. After four surgeries I"m now left with a hole in my chest and this is my last option. Did the doctor say with time this discomfort you take Tylenol for would lessen?
marybethmaddox
May 5, 2018
I went through chemo and radiation that left me with pain from scar tissue. The flap brought new tissue and blood supply and the pain in my chest is gone. Right now I take Tylenol due to expanders. I am in physical therapy to get better range of motion in my back and shoulder, so I take a Tylenol before that. I feel so much better (and I my breasts look 100% better) that the numbness below the scar on my back is livable. My doc says that scar tissue starts softening after six months... I am four months after LD Flap... pain lessens and my strength gets better every week. Implant surgery is my ninth so I totally understand your reticence. PM me at maddoxaz@cox.net if you need to talk.
Linda Whalen
May 5, 2018
Thank you. Hearing your experience makes me feel better. After so many failed attempts it's difficult to stay positive. Yes, so much scar tissue after multiple surgeries. I literally have a hole on my right side from doctors removing skin each time. It's so uncomfortable. Plus I have an implant on the left and nothing on the right. I hide from the public because the prosthetics are so uncomfortable and painful against my ribs. At least with implants, I won't have to wear a bra.
Linda Whalen
March 16, 2019
Hi Marybeth, I lost your email. Just had implants which I'm satisfied with however now I have a large bulge from the back under my arm to the chest. It's the muscle. The doctor said that if it doesn't improve with exercise, hot presses and massage the only way to correct is another surgery. I remember you saying you were going for massage treatments to help with your back. Was wondering if this massage therapy is a specialized therapist?
Thanks,
​Linda
ORIGINAL POST

I am very happy that I made the decision to have...

marybethmaddoxFebruary 15, 2018
I am very happy that I made the decision to have the LD Flap surgery. It was the only way to get rid of the scarring from double mastectomy and radiation. I had burning across my breast bone, thick scar tissue under the right side, so painful that I slept in a recliner for two years. The pain from scarring is now gone. Recovery will take awhile, then Dr. Brown will remove the expanders and insert new implants, but I'm happy so far.

Replies (1)

Bamma
May 16, 2018
I started my surgery on May 7, 2017, it was supposed to be a skin and nipple sparing. Mine was also preventative since I have ovarian cancer and lost both parents to breast cancer. I have now been in the hospital 9 times with infections and viruses. The scar tissue is unbearable. I have been told to massage it out, it's too painful so I tried to find a specialist that does at, mo luck or even suggestions on how to get rid of it. My Dr said weight 8 months and it will go away, huh? The other Dr says let's just do the flap. So far this is the biggest regret of my life, I am a mutilated mess. How did you make the decision? Was recovery harder than you expected?
marybethmaddox
May 16, 2018
No the flap for me was a godsend. I do not regret it at all. Recovery was much faster than I expected, though I have had some physical therapy to get range of motion back in my arms because of the tightness in my back. I would not call it pain though I would it is tight. Just had my implants done last week and I feel so much better. My doc took out all the scar tissue and I don't have the pain anymore I'm sorry that I waited a year to get it done. Go to a different doctor that's good with the LD flap and don't go back to the other guy would be my advice. Massage does not get rid of the scar tissue , I did try that every 3 weeks for eight months and it did not work. Good luck to you and please message me if you have more questions. Marybeth
See More Breast Reconstruction with Latissimus Flap Reviews
See All Reviews