Reconstruction
Hi, I had a bilateral mastectomy in October 2014 with expanders inserted, due to complications the expanders have been removed. I now have the options of replacing the expanders, using muscle and ti...
Forum Discussion
Hi Gail,
I'm one of the Facilitators with the Breast Reconstruction group on this site and we would be happy for you to join the group and hopefully get some information, view photo-stories and get feedback from others who have had these various procedures so that you might feel better informed about all your options. If you'd like to join us just click on Groups and send us a brief message.
You might also like to check out the Reclaim Your Curves website (www.reclaimyourcurves.org.au/). This website has a lot of information on the various procedures available in Australia, including the Lat Dorsi (back muscle), TRAM and DIEP (stomach flaps) reconstruction options as well as some other choices.
I had a DIEP reconstruction (right breast only) in April 2012 following previous treatment which included chemotherapy, Herceptin and radiotherapy. Due to radiation scarring and the potential for more complications it was recommended that I go down the tissue flap reconstruction route and DIEP was considered the best choice as unlike TRAM it does not use any muscle, so there are fewer problems with abdominal strength being potentially compromised.
DIEP is a big operation (around 5-6 hrs in surgery for one breast), requires a specialist plastic surgeon trained in microsurgical techniques (so not always available at all hospitals), usually means you are in hospital for about a week, with the first few days being intensively monitored to ensure the new flap (breast) gets sufficient blood flow and then about a 6 week recovery period at home (mainly for the abdominal wound). You may also need a revision surgery or two to get things symmetrical and to have a nipple reconstruction (if you choose).
There is a lot to get your head around with the various options and it might be worthwhile getting a few different opinions as part of your research into what might suit you and your lifestyle best.
By the way, I am very happy with my reconstruction choice - the new breast is soft and well-matched to the other side and has helped to restore a lot of my self-confidence. Jane xx