Can someone comment on just getting implants alone and no flap surgery or why they chose flap or LD and not just implants?. It seems like most women have flap or LD surgery. Can anyone shed some light on me as to why they did or didn't choose just the implants alone.(I'm repeating myself!)
I am going to have a mast next month with recon and trying to decide. Have not met with the recon doc yet. I am small to medium size breasted, but thinking of just going with the implant. I presume expander then silicone etc...HELP!
Debbie
FormerMember
Met with doc yesterday, so it's fresh...
Implants are easier to do for short term, but more likely have problems later (infection, breaking...)
The other is longer & longer recovery time, but once everything works & heals... It's just part of you.
Hi, when I was having my mastectomy and reconstruction with LD and small implant, I was told that it was better to have as small an implant as possible and use my own tissue as much as possible, fewer problems I suppose. I got a very good result and I'm very happy with it.
I opted for ld flap initially because surgeon advised waiting for at least six months after mastectomy for implants alone. They would have been saline, not silicone.
I think you need another consult with your surgeon & breast nurses before you go ahead. It's a big decision.
I'm relatively happy with mine, but don't know if implants would have been just as effective, with less surgery involved.
Never thought to mention it to you before but just after my diagnosis I also asked my surgeon about implants only. He said that the finished result was never good. After they've done the mastectomy you would be left with only your skin (if using skin sparing method) and this is too thin to disguise the outline of the implant which can apparently be seen rippling through the skin. The result wouldn't be like those of people having implants for cosmetic reasons alone.
My advice is to ask to see photos of every type of reconstruction. If your breast unit can't provide them you could probably find them on the internet.
I know it's a big decision but you will want to be happy with the finished result, you have to live with it forever.
I still may opt for the implant. I am nervous about going under and I want a quick recovery and return to work. I am fearful of being under for 6-9 hrs. Althou I know it looks fake and contractures can result, I don't care that much. Or I don't care now. I don't want to compromise my shoulder girdle or my abdomen. I know the DIEP flap does not use muscle from the abdomen but the scar from hip to hip!!!We'll see. I wouldn't mind losing some tummy, but the microsurgery and recoup time makes me nervous....I'm a chiropractor and I use my shoulders and pect muscles alot.
Wish me luck. I go on Thursday for the recon consult. This is a highly skilled facility, so if I'm going to reconsider this is the place.
