Breast reconstruction

I had a double mastectomy with expander implants almost 6 weeks ago. They were placed in fully expanded. The reasoning is because of my medical history I am at high risk of wound infection. If this was to happen the surgeon wanted to be able to take pressure off the wound by deflating them. This hasn’t happened and I’m almost fully healed. I will be having further surgery in January to switch to permanent implants. I am 37, I didn’t want any more scars than I needed. I also have young children and the LD flap is a much more extensive surgery with a longer recovery period. My surgeon also said he would have preferred to do one side at a time with the ld flap. It’s a hard decision to make- take all the time you need and weigh up what will work for you. I hope this has helped a little.

Yes this is very helpful I am around the same age as you Am going back in for another consultation in 2 weeks so trying to learn as much as I can about Implant versus LD flap reconstruction before I go in, I was thinking the same not wanting extra surgery but if they feel I would get a more natural look from ld flap reconstruction I will consider it Am still unsure which would have a better outcome or the two could give a similar result

Hi  have you decided on these two options on your own, or have you been given these as your only options? 

There are a lot of reconstruction options out there, so it is definitely worth doing lots of research. Also, some surgeons can only do certain procedures, so occasionally surgeons can 'push' you a certain way. I'm only saying this as a lot of people recommend to get a second opinion if you arent happy that you are receiving mpartial advice. But having said this I am also aware time is an issue! 

I had a single mastectomy and immediate LD flap reconstruction a week ago. I'm obviously very early into recovery! I wanted a DIEP but was told I didn't have enough fat. Implants were an option but I was very keen to use my own tissue and did not want implants, but this was a personal decision.

So far I have to say I feel much better than I thought I would! There isn't much pain at all. I have extremely limited movement on my operated side, but that's completely normal at this stage.

The only thing I wasn't quite prepared for was the extensive numbness across my reconstructed breast and back scar line. I knew numbness was possible, but it's more extensive than I thought. However it's incredibly early days! So this is just an observation a week post op.

If you aren't aware there is a great group called 'Keeping Abreast' who have Facebook page and local groups, specifically to discuss breast reconstruction..I wish I'd found them sooner to be honest! So worth checking them out.

Good luck xxx

You’re certainly going to get a more natural result with the Ld flap but the way I looked at it is that there’s many women our age that have breast implants. So they don’t have to look completely natural to me. I’m struggling more with having no nipples than anything else. The expanders are harder than implants so I’m looking forward to getting this switched in January.

Yes hopefully when I go back I might try the Expander with an Implant as well if they feel this would give a good result , It sounds like an easier procedure If they can match it up with my other Breast (size/look of it)Lots of young women seem to have this procedure done with no problems It will be great if it works as I am without a breast since  this time last year and would look forward to having a breast again

Hi Daisy That is very helpful great that you had LD Flap reconstruction successfully and you are pleased with the result,

These are the only 2 options I was given 1)Tissue Expander and Implant or 2)LD Flap , Both seem successful enough the Implant a lesser surgery

A Diep isn’t suitable for me either as I had surgery there before I had a single breast removed this time last year so it would be great if it works whether doctor feels Implant or own tissue more suitable Once they can match size/look and feel of other breast as good as they can I would be happy enough They both seem to have a similar result

DaisyB had an Ld flap and would be able to give you more information. I think it’s definitely doable as it’s one side. As I had the double mastectomy it definitely swayed me. But whatever you decide I wisyou the best of luck

Hi Daisy Did you have a Tissue Expander for the LD flap as well first or is that just needed for the Implant

Hi Eirama. No expander for me, although they are commonly used with an LD flap if the woman wants it. At the moment my breasts are quite different sizes, but that's because I can have a lift/reduction on my good side in the future to match, once this one settles down. I am surprised by the size of the breast they've achieved though, given there is nothing in their but stuff from my back!

Having a delayed reconstruction is also slightly different in terms of outcome. That's why keeping abreast is good as its easier to find people with similar circumstances to your own.(for example if you've had radiotherapy etc too).

I agree with MamaH though, the lack of nipple is odd. But it's early days to psychologically get used to the change to my body. And I assume you've had to deal with that already having had the mastectomy and reconstruction is a next step for you.

None of these are easy choices though,  it's a tough situation for any of us to end up in xx

I had a single mastectomy in April with implant, I could haven't any of the DIEP nor the LP flap due to on going spinal issue, I then had further surgery in June as had to have nipple removed. This week, I just had a nipple reconstruction  plus a fat transfer around the implant, not sure how the nipple looks yet as the bandages are still on, I'll eventually get it tattooed. I didn't like not having a nipple so I'm hoping I've done the right thing!