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Julie_P's avatar
Julie_P
Member
13 years ago

Tissue expanders and reconstruction

Just wondering if anyone out there has recently been through tissue expansion and reconstruction. I had a mastectomy a year ago, and in November, due to the fear of the cancer recurring, underwent a prophylactic mastectomy of the other breast and at the same time had tissue expanders inserted, the best solution for me as I didn't have radiotherapy.

But I'm so anxious now as my chest wall muscles seem to be stretching very unevenly with the expanders and even though the surgeon says he has put more saline in volume in the expanders than he took away with the mastectomy, my right breast looks small (the original mastectomy) and my left breast looks ridiculous - like I've grown guy's pecs up to my shoulder!

Of course I know this is temporary but now the surgeon is asking me whether I've had enough expansions, but I can't tell as the shape is so weird! I'd hate to get this wrong! I guess I'm just looking for some reassurance that it will turn out OK in the end. 

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  • dawngirl's avatar
    dawngirl
    Member
    13 years ago

    Hi,

    I haven't gone this route yet -- thought it awaits me - and I will be doing what you have done (preventative mastectomy of the left).

    Are you in the care of a plastic surgeon or a breast/general surgeon? I have heard of operations not going quite to plan with breast/general surgeons...also that the riding up thing might be caused by the way our own chest muscles are...perhaps you could organise a second opinion with another plastic surgeon?

    Totally understand you wanting to get it right...we go through so much from the start, avoiding corrective surgery at all costs can only be a good thing,

    Wishing you all the best for the next steps.

    x