Second appointment with plastic surgeon

Hi -Ana- I'm not sure if it's the same thing but it sounds like what a close friend of mine had done a couple of years ago.  She had a mastectomy and an implant that was adjustable so they could slowly stretch her skin and then I think she eventually had a permanent implant put in.

She was very happy with the outcome.

I think prioritising your health is a good call.

Hope all goes well with everything.

Hi -Ana- me again! I have decided the same as you, my surgeon called them expanders, I think it is a good decision and leaves all options open for the future. Do you have a date yet for your surgery? I’d love to know any useful info you find out at your appointment xx

Hi thanks, yes they’ve moved my surgery forward to 12th November. My plastic surgeon says that I’d omitted to tell him I have the connective tissue disorder Ehlers Danlos Syndrome which greatly increases the risk of any surgery, so now he understands why I was so wary of the DIEP procedure, but is willing to give the expandable implant idea a try. If it doesn’t work I’ll have to have the implant out and try again at a later date. That appointment went so much better than last time as I think we’re all on the same page.

just so you know, I’ll be in hospital about 5 days until the drains stop draining. The implant will initially be deflated to avoid pressure in the scar and I’ll have to have compression dressings, and then a firm bra which I need to wear 24/7 for at least 6 weeks. I’m not allowed to exercise, do housework, walk too far or drive during that time. Once the scar is well healed and knitted together (could take a couple of months for me), they’ll start filling up the saline gradually, letting the skin stretch. Some doctors over inflate the implant for a few weeks and then let some out to allow the breast to droop naturally but with me they’ll see later on.

Infection in an implant is dangerous so they’ll have me on antibiotics before surgery and IV antibiotics during. They’ll be checking me for infection beforehand including blood and urine, so very thorough. I’ll also have to wear compression stockings.

I could still have the DIEP procedure in future, if I felt well enough to do it.

Thanks -Ana- that’s all very useful to know. My surgery is booked for 9th nov. I hope everything goes well for you but it sounds like they are being very careful with you which is good x