Help… Flap Surgery or implant

Hi  I think we all wish that are medical team could tell us definitively what is best but unfortunately there are usually choices to be made and each one has it's advantages and disadvantages.  This makes it hard for your surgeon to tell you what to choose especially as they don't want to be sued if they tell you to do something and then things go wrong.

If I were you I would ask your surgeon why he recommends the implant instead of the flap alternative.  Once you know the reason he suggested that you might be able to more easily make a decision.

When I had a choice to make I asked my surgeon what he would do if I was his mother or sister and he did give me answer and it's what I chose to do.  I think my choice was easier though as it was lumpectomy vs mastectomy.

I found this on cancer research.co.uk CLICK HERE to go to the site otherwise the relevant extract is below:

Possible reasons for not having an implant reconstructionThis type of reconstruction is not always recommended if you are having radiotherapy to the area. Radiation increases the risk of the implant becoming hard and might distort the shape of the breast. It can also make the skin less stretchy. Your surgeon will talk to you about the options for reconstruction if you need radiotherapy.  You can't have this type of reconstruction if you have had a radical mastectomy because the chest muscles will have been removed.

Hope you get the information you need to make your decision.

Hi there, such a hideous decision to have to make. I really do feel for you. Recently I had to make the same choice myself. I am now 3 months post flap diep surgery. I also have radiotherapy and chemotherapy too that I am about to start. I have to say that personally I found it the best choice and I have no regrets at all. The radiotherapy will interfere with my reconstructed breast but my plastic surgeon assures me that she can put right any damage done and that long term achieve a result I am happy with. It truly is amazing what these talented plastic surgeons can do and they really will work with you until you are confident within yourself again.  Although it means a further surgery I feel it is the lesser of two evils as implants would need replacing throughout hopefully what can now be a long life span! It does feel like a rock and a hard place when facing such a ‘choice’ I remember feeling that no option was one I wanted, however after the initial shock and I made my decision it really was a weight off. After surgery I thought I’d feel distraught but I actually felt relieved. The recovery wasn’t as bad as I geared myself up for, although it wasn’t a picnic the pros far outweighed the cons. I always tell myself to prepare for the worst but hope for the best!  I have kept in mind that it is a work in progress, it’s not ideal but I can see huge potential on what the end result will be which is one I personally can come to terms with and be happy and confident in my body again. I’m sure whatever road you go down will be the right one, it’s such a personal choice. As long as you have a supportive breast care team you really can’t go wrong. Good luck with your decision.