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Jillianb's avatar
Jillianb
Member
13 years ago

First visit to plastic surgeon

First visit with the plastic surgeon this morning. I have been advised that probably an implant is the way to go. Don't have enough fat on my stomach to rebuild this way. I will ultimately have to have a small implant in the other side to even things up. Does anyone know of the implications on having a future mammogram with the implant? I have looked on the net and it seems possible. Forgot to ask the surgeon this morning.

Decisions to make!!!

Jillian

6 Replies

  • Jillianb's avatar
    Jillianb
    Member
    13 years ago

    Hi Anna,

    Thanks for the comment. It is something well worth thinking about. Actually I think alot about it all - alot!! As you probably have before me! Trouble is that they probably cannot get enough fat off any of me. Doesn't pay to keep trim in this instance. I asked if I could put on weight for the occasion and the doctor recommended that this was not really practical as if they took the newly formed fat and then I was to go back to my normal weight I would end up with the reconstructed breast reducing in size in a different proportion to my real breast. Decision, decisions!! Anyway I have a bit of time. Will continue reading and have a heap of questions for my next appointment on the 27th.

    Cheers, Jillian

  • Jillianb's avatar
    Jillianb
    Member
    13 years ago

    Hi Anna,

    Thanks for the comment. It is something well worth thinking about. Actually I think alot about it all - alot!! As you probably have before me! Trouble is that they probably cannot get enough fat off any of me. Doesn't pay to keep trim in this instance. I asked if I could put on weight for the occasion and the doctor recommended that this was not really practical as if they took the newly formed fat and then I was to go back to my normal weight I would end up with the reconstructed breast reducing in size in a different proportion to my real breast. Decision, decisions!! Anyway I have a bit of time. Will continue reading and have a heap of questions for my next appointment on the 27th.

    Cheers, Jillian

  • SunnyJ's avatar
    SunnyJ
    Member
    13 years ago
    Hi Jillian - from my experience I would strongly recommend a DIEP flap reconstruction, it looks and feels and acts like a real boob. I was strongly cautioned against implants as they can cause problems and are not often successful. If you don 't have enough fat on your stomach they can get it from under your arm or bum. Maybe you should at least get one second opinion before you go forward? Good luck whichever you decide. Anna
  • SunnyJ's avatar
    SunnyJ
    Member
    13 years ago
    Hi Jillian - from my experience I would strongly recommend a DIEP flap reconstruction, it looks and feels and acts like a real boob. I was strongly cautioned against implants as they can cause problems and are not often successful. If you don 't have enough fat on your stomach they can get it from under your arm or bum. Maybe you should at least get one second opinion before you go forward? Good luck whichever you decide. Anna
  • Jillianb's avatar
    Jillianb
    Member
    13 years ago

    Good Luck with your procedures. I hope it all works out as you hope. I am seeing Dr. Greg McDermont on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. He seems very good so far. Happy with his suggestions.

    Thanks for the information about the MRI. That is a concern as I was going to have an implant in the left breast as well to match everything up. Would hate something to go undetected because of the implant.

    Anyway next appointment on the 27th March. Have a heap more questions written down.

    Cheers,

    Jillian

  • Debbie_J's avatar
    Debbie_J
    Member
    13 years ago

     There is a special mammogram  for implants. I have just had a ultasound, but am having a MRI, as it is the best way to pick up anything if you have implants.

    Cost is $475.00 and you do not get anything back. If you do not have implants it is $625.00. My GP said this is the best way to make sure everything is ok. As ultasound and mammogram may not pick up everything when you have implants.

    I have implants , but they did not work out for me. I only have a small tummy if that. I  was told I would be okay for tram flap in both breasts. Waiting to have it done. .

    What plastic surgeon did you see?.

    I went to the Breast Centre in Sydney, having MRI  at Royal Nth Shore next week.

    Debbie