Hi ladies, I was wondering if anyone can help me with what to expect now that I've had my reconstruction, which is not at all as expected & nothing like the surgeon said it would be. My breasts r a lot lower than the tissue expanders were, they are a lot smaller than my original breasts & expanders, and they are lopsided! Just another kick in the guts really which seems to be my 'cancer journey'. Naturally waking to something different what I was expecting was upsetting, it's now been 2 weeks, I'm still sore & struggling with some activities, my emotions are alk over the place, sadness, crying, anger, frustration & disappointment.I have been told my breasts will 'settle' I'm tipping they won't grow 3 cup sizes or end up higher up my chest where they were before

Hi Becca. I totally sympathise. I had a double DIEP reconstruction six weeks ago and I am struggling with a bit of disappointment myself. My foobs are a lumpy, misshapen mess and one is a different size from the other. I'm holding out hope that time will make them better. My plastic surgeon says he won't do revision surgery for 6 - 8 months. He is unconcerned but has said to me twice I'll "never look good naked". You'd never know in clothes though, and my foobs are warm and made of me.I'm trying to get my head round it, to turn my thinking round. It's not a boob job, we'll never be thrilled with it. I have to be patient and hope for the best.You can always seek a second opinion. Have you discussed it with your breastcare nurse?I'm in the Choosing Breast Reconstruction group and it's been invaluable. There's huge breadth of experience there and much wisdom. Hang in there. K xox

Hi @beccabecca, I’m glad you have applied to join chooosing breast reconstruction. We had a member recently who was not happy after her changeover. She ended up having her implants removed and expanders back in, before another exchange. Sadly you have to be your own advocate, however you have gone private and should be able to get results you are somewhat happy with. That is not an unreasonable request in either public or private. Many ladies do need revisions, and there is always time needed for things to settle in. You should be able to read @Caseypinto posts in the photo stories under implants in the choosing breast recon group. I’ve tagged her here, but maybe you could message her after having a read through her posts. Good luck. Paula xxx

Hi @beccabecca sorry to hear your implants are not what you expected.... as @mum2jj said I also was not happy with my first implants. They were small, high up, looked like pec muscles, seized up and spazm'd. I had a second opinion but ended up going back to my original surgeon who put expanders back in, then in feb this year (after 3 months) put new slightly larger implants in, they're now 350cc. Am I happy with them.. ...hmmmmm ... unfortunately I still have tightness, pain, limited movement and a constant pressure/seizing feeling. I wanted to leave them for 12 months (as like you I'm sick of surgeries!) but my GP insisted I should have them removed as I've got the start of capsular contracture again.... so off I go for my third opinion, and he assures me that fat grafting should fix my pain, stop the capsular contracture and finally I will be comfortable.. so booked in for surgery number 7 on 22 June - unlike you mine weren't lopsided but as much as more surgery and recovery is painful, expensive and time consuming, you need to feel happy and you deserve to get what you want - your surgeon needs to help you - you have to live with your body - not him. I've definitely learnt that over the last year. If you want any more information or support please contact me - I really feel for you xxx

I'm not at that stage yet @beccabecca - as @kezmusc suggested, the members of the recon group will be able to give you some great advice and you can post photos there too if you want to, as it's a members only space. My only 2 cents worth would really be to get another opinion. It might be a bit $$ to go to someone else at this stage but at the end of the day, your physical and emotional wellbeing has to be your top priorty and it sounds like that's suffering big time. You might find that another plastic surgeon will confirm that it's all OK and just needs to settle - on the other hand, another doctor might agree with you and be able to give you the result that you want. It's definitely worth a consultation. Sending you lots of hugs and hoping that you find a solution soon. xxx

Thanks eastmum. I think the biggest problem is the surgeon not doing what he indicated before surgery. Others have suggested a 2nd opinion. The thought of more surgery after 4 so far is not appealing. I have applied to join the reconstruction group

help -lopsided reconstruction result & pain

23 Replies

Anonymous
7 years ago
I had a breast reduction to match a recon So it’s a bit different, but it did take a while for the swelling to go down. Maybe give it a bit longer and see how they look. Did you agree on a size and do you have the notes recorded from your meeting? There will be women who have had a similar procedure who will be able to help more. All the best.
beccabecca
Member
7 years ago
Thanks for that. I have applied to join that group.
Surgeon says nothing is wrong, lucky I decided to take photo b4 going into surgery, people who have seen said they would not be happy at all either. People probably think I'm vain. My Gp yesterday also said definitely lopsided & she thinks they are different sizes. & to think this is costing me lots using my private health system.
kezmusc
Member
7 years ago
Oh wow. That must have been very difficult waking to see nothing like what you were told. I can't really help as I haven't had any recon but I so sympathize. This thing is hard enough without any surpises. There is a reconstruction group on here maybe you could join that. I'm sure some of the lovely ladies there would be able to offer some insight. Have you told you surgeon how upset you are?

xoxoxo

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help -lopsided reconstruction result & pain

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