Reconstruction/breast reduction following lumpectomy?

Meant to add, I had a large mass removed during lumpectomy as tumour and surrounding DCIS was big. 

Congratulations on the clear mammogram. :) I faced the same situation many years ago, and as I got older and fatter the difference was much more noticeable.  I did try to get a reduction but was refused; no-one would tell me why but I guessed they didn't want to take the risk owing to my weight. If that's your position stand firm and ask them precisely how much they want you to lose.  I just accepted it, but they did at least provide me with my first prosthesis.  They make things look better but I've found that they don't last forever, especially if they get a nick or cut in them, and can be expensive. Anyway I hope that helps, and I leave it others who have had the corrective surgery to tell you more.

Thank you AngelaG for your response and for the congratulations on my clear mammogram :-)

I'm a so-called 'healthy' weight, so they wouldn't be able to refuse me on that basis, but I'm sure there are many other reasons they might provide. I just want to look normal and balanced and be able to actually buy a bra that fits.

With best regards x

Hi DollyP

I'm 2 years down the line after a lumpectomy and still waiting for something to be done, my surgeon is very unsympathetic. 

My lumpectomy boob is a lot smaller and very mishapen, I can't have a breast reduction on my good breast as I'm small breasted as it is .

Bras don't fit and keep moving to the one side, I have tried prostheses but they don't help.

According to the NHS own guidelines anybody having a mastectomy or lumpectomy should be offered corrective surgery.  I have now started the process to fight for this.

Hope you will be offered what you need

Carolyn x

Good for you ral.    Waiting 2 years is awful.  Usually do the lumpectomy and then radiation and good to wait a year after radiation so you can see how things look.  Not so many options for us small breasted women.  I have sent you a link about lipofilling as this may be an option for you but only a skilled plastic surgeon will know what is best for a good cosmetic outcome. Here is the link. 

https://bmccancer.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12885-022-09485-5

Keep on pushing for what you need.  Rooting for you.

Barbara

Hi Carolyn

That's really useful to know.  Thank you so much.

My lumpectomy boob has to be at least 3 sizes smaller than untreated one. I will definitely push for corrective surgery.

xx

Thank you so much for this information Barbara. Much appreciated xx

Do you have a link to the Guidelines you could share Carolyn? I'd love to have a read through it.

Many thanks!

Hi I had breast conserving surgery /lumpectomy leaving me with a  breast sound half size of other breast , I was given a prosthesis that is adhesive along the top side and fits well in my normal size bra (40DD ) it’s heavy but I can’t feel it when wearing and evens size out really well I can’t notice when dressed , my surgeon said he will reduce in a year from last surgery , I  will be glad to get it done and breasts so different , good luck with your appt hope all goes well x

Hope you've had some success since your post. I have similar problems i.e. small breast with 2 prominent lumps & a very noticeable dent on outer curve. This wasn't apparent until 4 weeks after my surgery when swelling had gone down. Currently, awaiting radiotherapy & so worried about it worsening appearance, that I went back to the surgeon who said  I cld come back 6 mths after completion of radiotherapy to see if lipofilling would be an option. He explained that the location of my tumour hadn't been favourable for a good outcome, which may well be true but hadn't been explained to me before surgery.