[koolbreeze]

Hi Karen, I have minimal experience. When I had my mastectomy, they input an expander to stretch the skin in preparation for reconstruction. Unfortunately, my body rejected the expander (my incision would not heal, just keep getting lots of fluid etc.) so they had to do another surgery to remove it. After that they gave me the option of using back tissue or tummy tissue and I said no way. I have since had my other breast removed and am just fine with my situation. I am 50 yrs old but, had I been in my 30's or 40's, I may have made a different decision.

I did have a friend who used tummy tissue to reconstruct and the recovery time is lengthy but she felt it was worth it. I saw the breast they reconstructed and it was very well done.

I wish you all the best in your decision. I am sure there are many others who can help here on the site beyond my limited experience. Take care Kool