I had invasive medullary ductal carcinoma, went through 6 rounds of chemo then had a break because I got shingles and it wouldn't go away for almost 2 months. Oncologist said the chemo had killed my tumors in my right breast but they recommended a <a href="/treatments/mastectomy">mastectomy</a> due to it being multifocal. April 11th I had the <a href="/treatments/mastectomy">mastectomy</a> which included removing the nipple, immediate reconstruction with a tissue expander. They removed the Sentinel lymph node, pathology came back great and the doctors say that I am healing well. I had hoped that I would just need the one surgery and plastic surgeon said that it's possible to leave this saline expander in if that's what I want to do. My problem is that under my arm looks horrible where they took out the lymph node, the incision has left me kind of lopsided due to them having to take out a large tissue amount because of my nipple, so now it's kind of pointed but not in the right way. I'm hoping somebody will tell me that this will look a lot better after revision. The plastic surgeon says he recommends replacing with a silicone implant that will feel softer, and a lift & possible reduction of my left healthy breast so that I have symmetry. I was a 42dd, so the reconstructed side is still obviously smaller and I don't think there's enough skin or an implant big enough to make it match. But my main problem is how bad it looks under my arm. I'm hoping somebody will tell me that it will be a lot better after he does touch up. I tried to attach a picture but then I lost my question so I'm not going to do that again. Bear with me I'm new here, thank you for any help you can offer.

Does Reconstruction Look Better After Revision? Crying About This Daily

I had invasive medullary ductal carcinoma, went through 6 rounds of chemo then had a break because I got shingles and it wouldn't go away for almost 2 months. Oncologist said the chemo had killed my tumors in my right breast but they recommended a mastectomy due to it being multifocal. April 11th I had the mastectomy which included removing the nipple, immediate reconstruction with a tissue expander. They removed the Sentinel lymph node,… read more

edited, originally posted 12 months ago

hug (6) useful? answer (9)

If you get a great surgeon they can fix most anything

posted 12 months ago

hug (1) useful? (4)

I’m sorry it is more difficult than you expected. While I did not do reconstruction, from others here, I know it is never just one surgery. I’m a bit confused, do you have an actual saline implant or expander filled. I do not think the expander can be kept in permanently- the manufacture says 6 months max I think. If he tells you it is ok, get a second opinion. That does not sound right. Please read up on it before making any decisions. Yes, it can look better with revisions and the body settles. Have patience and a talented PS can help you. 💕

edited, originally posted 12 months ago

hug (1) useful? (3)

my first PS -who i thought was good -kind of messed me up. I went to another PS for another opinion and i am so happy I did. He was so much better and attentive! I had nothing to compare it to so I didn't know until I compared.

posted 12 months ago

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I'm sorry if it isn't ok to post this, but it's hard to describe.

posted 12 months ago

hug (3) useful? (1)

I had my tissue expander for over a year. I was told some do keep it in. It was too uncomfortable for me to keep in.

posted 12 months ago

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