Breast Reconstruction

Hi Twills56

i had my mastectomy last April but saw the plastic surgeon last week to discuss reconstruction. One option was liposuction as he did a skin sparing mastectomy so hopefully no need for an expander. He said it would take approximately 4-5 sessions to fill it.  I don’t know a lot about it but I’m not sure how successful it is. From what little I’ve read some of the fat is absorbed so you may end up having it done more than suggested to cover what is lost. I also understand it’s quite painful too. 

I was offered the TUG or an implant or suggested I stay as I am. I was warned of all the things that could go wrong with each option to the point I didn’t feel very reassured by any of it and feel he really thinks I should stay as I am. Its now made me think about why I want the recon and if I shouldn’t have it but I’m not sure how I’d come to terms with that. 

I hope the op goes well for you, take care xx

Thanks so much for this. It’s very interesting indeed. Can I ask if you managed to have your nipple saved? And how did you feel having an ‘empty’ breast for a while? Xx

Hi 

it’s been really tough as I was supposed to have the Diep but due to previous surgery on my stomach it couldn’t be completed but I didn’t know until I woke up. No the nipple wasn't saved and I had a skin sparing mastectomy which I’ve struggled with. 

Before I had the op I think I was numb with the shock of it all so didn’t really think about how I would feel I just wanted everything to be done and look as it should. Because it didn’t go to plan I’ve spent months telling everyone (and myself) it was ok I was warned, I’m fine but the more time has passed I realise it’s not. I’ve found it difficult because it’s quite unsightly and i would like some kind of normality so I’m not embarrassed by how I look anymore xx 

Oh I’m so sorry to read you are going through this. Everyone’s journey is so different. Plus so many different options - but the main thing is you are here to tell your story. Thank you for being so open and honest. xx

Twills56 x

I hope it’s been of some help to you. If you’re not happy with what your surgeon suggests or would like a different perspective you can always ask for a second opinion, don’t be put off from asking. 

Good luck with your decision xx 

I have my operation on Friday this week, I'm having a mastectomy with DIEP flap reconstruction at the same time and having the other breast reduced and lifted at the same time too.

They can't save the nipple on the mastectomy side, and to be honest I would rather they take the nipple from the other too as it will not look the right size for the smaller breast (going from a 36G to 36C). Several months later I will be able to have the nipple re shaped and a 3 dimentional tattoo put there to replace which is supposed to be very affective from what I have researched.

So with the DIEP reconstruction it is literally a transplant as such using fat/skin/blood vessels from the lower tummy to the breast that has been emptied. Hope that helps give you a bit of info but there is tonnes of good info on youtube about it. 

Sam x

As I think I’ve mentioned before...just a couple of times :) I’m having exactly the same as you Sam in mid-March! My breast surgeon told me she couldn’t save the nipple but my plastic surgeon said he is going to try!

Lucy, hope you manage to sort out something which you are happy with!!