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I have a tissue expander in the left breast and I'm deciding between flap and implant. My Surgron has discussed that I may have better symmetry with Flap vs implant especially since my right breast was radiated.
Thank you KimJones2. Its good to hear that you are happy with the nipple tattoo. I too am concerned about the flap surgery and recovery times. My surgeon has put a referral for a microsurgeon. Hopefully I get to meet with him and get questions answered.
I originally went in for Flap but chose saline implants instead after hearing about recovery time and other considerations. I also had fat taken from my hips to fill in some deep pockets left after expanders removed (worked out well, no more muffin top). Very happy with results. Flap was my backup plan if implants failed. Hugs to you!!
So glad you found my response helpful! Thank you for the (Hugs). 🥰
The cold in Minnesota 🥶 doesn't seem to bother the implant. They are different in the context of scars, but that is because my surgeon couldn't use the radiated skin and had to 'patch' me up. Personally speaking, that doesn't bother me.
Since the flap & implant surgery, I've had Fat Framing procedures on both sides to fill in and plump up where needed, which is a common next step. My plastic surgeon is a perfectionist! They look similar and feel the same to me. Once I put them in a bra you wouldn't know they are different. 😉
@A MyBCTeam Member thank you for your response. Very helpful. Gosh you have been through both options.
( Hugs)
How do both sides the implant and flap compare to each other in terms of feel,look,scarring and comfort? Does the cold bother the implant?
I appreciate your response.
Hi @A MyBCTeam Member. I went with a silicone implant for my non-radiated side where there was a tissue expander at the recommendation of my surgeon. I am very pleased with the natural looking results.
It was necessary to do a DIEP flap on the side that was radiated. I had both sides done at the same time. I was in the hospital for three days after flap to make sure the harvested blood vessels reconnection was successful, which it was. Recovery for flap is longer, but only a little more painful for me. The most uncomfortable part of healing has been my tummy where they took the skin, fat, and blood vessels from and stretched the muscle up to my chest. It's a tightness that isn't painful from my perspective. I continue to feel it 5 months after the surgery but it has been lessening over time.
Hope this information is helpful!
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