Roll Call: Reconstruction Anyone? What Type and Satisfaction

Just wondering how many have had reconstruction, what type and were you satisfied with the results...I am in the midst of it at present, and many days wish I would have never started. There are so many different opinions on this, different types and different surgical procedures. I am questioning now whether or not to undergo more major surgery to have nipple reconstruction i.e. skin graft, general anesthetic etc. Any words of wisdom would be helpful. I had a tissue expander with implant performed already., It has been 4 mos since the last surgery and I am still somewhat sore.
Thanks
Sheila

I had lat. flap reconstruction done a year ago May. I had to make the big "nipple" decision this summer. After talking to someone who did the graph, I told my surgeon that I was not going to have skin cut off any other part of my body. He was able to create a nipple by making incision on the reconstructed breast. He did it in his office. Other than the numbing shots, there was no pain. It looks great! I had to postpone the tatooing process because of my liver mets. Hope to have that done shortly. Good luck with your decision.

Was going to have tram flap simultaneously as node dissection & mastectomy, but I was advised to have a delayed flap. Only because they didn't want me to delay radiation treatment, should I have a slow recovery rate from surgery. So, I only had mastectomy & node removal last Nov.

Also, had breast reduction on the other side in the same surgery. Now in midst of trying to find appropriate prosthesis. Met prosthesis specialist last week, but still hard to fit at the moment, since I'm somewhat between cup b & c. Not sure if swelling is still there, as goal is cup b. If I don't find prosthesis comfortable, then tram flap it is.

Any helpful input appreciated!

I had reconstruction the same time I had my mastectomy. The muscle from the back kind. I had an expander put in just because I didn't want to go that long without a breast. When it was time to do the nipple they removed the expander and put in my implant, which was and is a lot more comfortable then the expander. They just used some puckered skin from the back flat to make the nipple. I had no problems or soreness. I would do it again, with out a second thought. Patty H

I had a tram flap at the time of mastectomy and although it is a tough recovery, I would recommend it to anyone. One of the best things about it is waking up after a mastectomy but still having two breasts! It's so much easier on you mentally; I never had to miss one. Also with the tram, your tummy is the donor site. After four kids, I had plenty to give (and numerous offers for donations too!). I didn't need a second operation for a nipple; it was formed during the first surgery with clever stitching however a follow-up surgery was necessary for a lift and slight reduction of the real breast so I would have a matched pair. A really neat thing about the finished product is I could wear a high-waisted bikini and nobody would know the difference (if only I were skinny....). Pleased? You bet! I'd definitely do it all over again.

I had the Gap-flap where they took the fatty tissue from my bottom and did micro-vascular surgery to move it up to my chest. It was an 8 hour surgery and I have a 6 inch scar on my bottom, but besides that it turned out wonderful! To top it off i got a free butt reduction!! LOL

I had a tram flap procedure done at the same time as my mastectomy and recovery was not difficult at all. My plastic surgeon created the nipple from some skin he left at the site and a little later I had the nipple tatooed (although it has faded some, who cares) Not many will see that area anyway. recommend to anyone to have it done.

Hi Shelia: I had the same proceedure you did. (Expanders then saline implants) Unfortunatly the radiation I had to have after chemo really fried me and distorted the one breast (I had the other breast removed as a preventative against developing cancer at that sight.) I had to have 2 surgeries but now look OK with clothes on. My plastic surgeon calls radiation the gift that keeps on giving and says at a future date I may need to go to a tram-type proiceedure if I have too many problems with scar tissue. I elected to not have nipple reconstruction because I figured I had spent half my life trying to cover them up when I wore shear clothes why would I deliberatly put them back on! LOL It's been 2 months since my last surgery and I still am experiencing significant pain at times. I hope this resolves itself with more time. Best of Luck. Take Care, Linda