Implant reconstruction

Hi, What sort of questions do you have?  I'm not familiar with the implant reconstruction that cuts the muscle in the back.  Mine didn't.

I'm after about having implants under the muscle evan thought I've had radiation I think my surgeon wants to cut the muscle in my back to put round front to hold implant in but I'm not really comfortable with that & just wanted to know about someone's else recon

Have you joined the breast reconstruction group on this site?  Reclaim your curves website also has lots of information and discussion with others who have experienced all different types of reconstruction.

Thanks heaps  but not sure on how to use this site as this is my 1st go on here

Hi @Gab66 I imagine you have many questions and also there will be things you don't yet know that you need to know. This is the link to the BCNA  Choosing breast reconstruction group thanks @Doll for recommending.

Reclaim Your Curves is a charity specific for breast reconstruction, lots of info there and helpful stuff like 'questions to ask' and detailed information on the procedure you mention. You can find the RYC forums there as well.

Both places have images to view and people to chat to. All the best, Louie

Thanks so very much 

What you are being offered  is a flap reconstruction. What you are after is a tissue expander reconstruction. Sometimes that can be difficult after radiotherapy but not impossible, depending  on the size of breast desired. Yes ...join the group as above and I'm  sure there are ladies who have done this. Ask your surgeon why the simpler op is not beibg offered. There may be a good reason for that.

Hi Gab66, hopefully you've been able to join the Choosing Breast Reconstruction group and had a chance to check out the Reclaim Your Curves website.

As @primek said, the type of surgery you are being offered is a Lat Dorsi Flap reconstruction (http//www.reclaimyourcurves.org.au/latissimus-dorsi-flap.html) which uses the large lat dorsi muscle from your back to make a new breast. It is usually paired with an implant to make enough volume for a reasonably sized breast and my guess is that because you have had radiation the surgeon you have seen is offering this type of flap reconstruction as an implant-only reconstruction can sometimes be compromised by radiation (although not necessarily always).

You should also be aware that a lat dorsi recon is not the only tissue flap reconstruction available but some surgeons do not perform the other procedures such as the TRAM or DIEP reconstructions as they require specific micro-surgical skills and equipment. Lots of women in our recon groups have found it useful to talk to a few plastic surgeons to fully understand the options that are available to them. Talking to other women about the different options and what reconstruction might best suit you is helpful, so feel free to post any questions you might have in the Recon group as there are a number of women who have had both Lat Dorsi and implant-only reconstructions (including after radiation) that you might be able to connect with.

Best wishes, getting your head around all of this can be overwhelming but we are here to try and help. Jane xx

Thanks heaps ladies I'll diffently get on there & ask lots of questions

Hi everyone thanks for the info I'm still trying to work my way around this site having a little trouble working it lol.   I'm still interested in hearing from ladies that have had radiation & implants under the muscle thanks