Forum Discussion

hippyviv's avatar
hippyviv
Member
13 years ago

reconstruction

Good morning all,

Well I have come up for my reconstruction and have to make a decision. I have to choose between an implant with a chest expander or the more complex procedure where they take the fat off your back and also put in an implant.

I am having trouble deciding.

If I have just the implant with the chest expander I wont be off as long but the doctors at plastics told me it would not look any good. If i go with the other procedure it looks better but the recovery time is longer and Ill have to wait another year and I really hate looking like this. I cant even look at myself in the mirror.

My partner has been very supportive and is only concerned for my safety but i just dont know which option to choose. The more complex one sounds the best option but do u have side effects from having muscle and fat removed from your back?

Has anyone out there had the chest expander and were you happy with the result.

Has anyone had the back procedure and what do they think? 

Help please.

4 Replies

  • Jennt28's avatar
    Jennt28
    Member
    13 years ago
    My plastic surgeon gave me a list of women to contact that he had done either implants or TRAM flap surgeries for. I phoned and spoke to a couple and have decided on the free TRAM which is what the surgeon thought would be my better option. Ask if your surgeon has a list of previous patients you can contact! Jenn
  • Dancing_with_Ne's avatar
    Dancing_with_Ne
    Member
    13 years ago

    HI Viv, I have had the lap dorsi reconstruction back in 2002.  I had the muscle from my back and it is now forming my breast along with a cohesive silicone gel implant.  I had the tissue expander in for almost 2 years due to unexpected chemo, rads & herceptin (I had an immediate recon) and that was uncomfortable...the new breast is great.  I can go swimming, do the gym, wear low cut tops and dresses:) the muscle is still attached to the back under my arm and sometimes it is a little odd sensation and the boob jumps but overall I'm pretty happy with the results.  I'm not sure what I'd decide if I had to have the other breast reconstructed.  You do know the muscle isn't in your back anymore, but I can still do most things, just gets a little uncomfortable sometimes but I'm sure just an implant would be the same.  Maybe see if your specialist can put you in touch with a few women who have had recons and are happy to "show and tell" x all the best Sharon

  • Dancing_with_Ne's avatar
    Dancing_with_Ne
    Member
    13 years ago

    HI Viv, I have had the lap dorsi reconstruction back in 2002.  I had the muscle from my back and it is now forming my breast along with a cohesive silicone gel implant.  I had the tissue expander in for almost 2 years due to unexpected chemo, rads & herceptin (I had an immediate recon) and that was uncomfortable...the new breast is great.  I can go swimming, do the gym, wear low cut tops and dresses:) the muscle is still attached to the back under my arm and sometimes it is a little odd sensation and the boob jumps but overall I'm pretty happy with the results.  I'm not sure what I'd decide if I had to have the other breast reconstructed.  You do know the muscle isn't in your back anymore, but I can still do most things, just gets a little uncomfortable sometimes but I'm sure just an implant would be the same.  Maybe see if your specialist can put you in touch with a few women who have had recons and are happy to "show and tell" x all the best Sharon

  • Anonymous's avatar
    Anonymous
    13 years ago
    Approved

    Hi Hippyviv,

    I am not sure if you have had a chance to look around the website but there is some information on options for breast reconstruction on our website (including tips from other women) and in Issue 53 (Summer 2010) of The Beacon magazine which focuses on the topic of reconstruction and there is lots of information and others stories.

    Just shout if you need any information but I am sure the women in the online network will be able to also jump in and share their experiences.

    ~Daina