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Mastectomy with Flap Reconstruction Questions about Mastectomy with Flap Reconstruction. |
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| 2/14/2012 | Hi, I'm 44 year old. 3.5 years ago I was diagnosed with dcis and had lumpectomy with radiation. I was just diagnosed with recurrence in the same breast and am scheduled to have double mastectomy next week. I'm working with a PS and he is going to do immediate reconstraction with tissue expanders and the implants replacement in the future. I"m concerned since I've read that implants are not the best choice for the radiated breast. But my PS says that since I"m thin and athletic (BMI 21), I just have not enough tissue for the DIEP. He says the best I'll be able to get is small A (I have DDD now). I don't mind at all to have a smaller breast, but A sounds a bit drastic. My Q is - is it possible for me to have DIEP reconstruction with maybe fat grafting in the future? And if I decide to go with DIEP after all, is it possible to have this surgery at the time my extenders are removed? Instead of putting in implants? | ||
| Replied | JHU's Breast Center Reply | ||
| 2/14/2012 | Implants and radiation, whether recently received or long ago, have a reputation for not doing well together. capsular contracture, hardening of the implant, riding up of the implant happen to a portion patients like yourself. You may be a candidate for DIEP with fat grafting or perhaps for S-GAP. Consider coming to us for evaluation. skin sparing mastectomy should also be possible for you. 443-287-2778. you can see a breast surgical oncologist and breast reconstruction plastic surgeon who does every form or recon there is! if you come, ask for Lillie. I'd be happy to show you my own bilateral diep flap recon. best decision i ever made for myself. | ||
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