Reconstruction,Phase II

cruf

I'm scheduled for the next phase of reconstructionon Feb.2. I had a TRAMFLAP on Sept.11. I'm going to have the nipple reconstructed as well as some hardened tissue (necrotic fat) removed from the arm pit. I also have some internal sutures that will be removed as they are pushing through the skin and becoming uncomfortable. I would love to hear from anyone who has been through part or all of this. What should I expect post-op? Pain? etc. Thanks! Cathy

jane38

Hi Cathy. I had nipple-areola reconstruction on Halloween. The chest part of it was okay, no pain. I'm still pretty numb in my chest. However, an incision was made in the upper inner thigh where the skin is darker for the grafting for the areola area. That hurt. It was hard to get comfortable and to walk. But after the stitches came out a week later, it really wasn't bad at all. My incision had gotten infected and opened up again, but then, that is what I do with all incisions. Always have, even before breast cancer. And I am real impressed with the way it looks. It really does look real.

Go to susanlovemd.com. She has some really good information and pictures of some of her patients after reconstruction. There are other plastic surgeons who have sites who will explain what and how they do a procedure and some even have pictures.

After having gone through a TRAM flap, the nipple-areola reconstruction is a piece of cake. Jane

newton1

I am considering a tram flap. So far, have you been pretty happy with it ? Does your stomach feel tight, or do you have trouble moving your arm ?

cruf

newton1 said:

I am considering a tram flap. So far, have you been pretty happy with it ? Does your stomach feel tight, or do you have trouble moving your arm ?

I'm happy with the results of my TRAMFLAP. I'm thinner than ever! My breast is as soft as the other one. Yes, my abdomen feels like I'm wearing a girdle all the time and I feel the mesh and internal sutures cause I'm so thin, but I'm glad I went this route. Feb. 2nd, I go for the revision to "perfect" the shape of my boob, make a nipple, and remove a few internal sutures in my abdomen that are pushing through my skin. Cathy

julies0816

hi cathy
I had the transflap done last march. It was done at the same time as my mastectomey. So I have not yet undergone phase II since I have been busy doing chemo and radiation. I am thinking of having it done maybe in the summer. I am really not in a rush but I think I am definitely going to finish it. Also when the plastic surgeon stitched my abdominal incision he made each of the ends of incision sort of pucker. after my surgery, I could not understand how a plastic surgeon could be so sloppy. he then explained how one of those puckers would be my new nipple. I am interested to know how phase II turns out for you. good luck and keep me posted. julie

julies0816

newton1 said:

I am considering a tram flap. So far, have you been pretty happy with it ? Does your stomach feel tight, or do you have trouble moving your arm ?

Hi Newton
the first part of my resonstruction was done march 2000. for a little while my stomach felt kinda tight and funny but it feels pretty normal now. and the movement of my arm is pretty good. I had lymph nodes removed under my arm so i still have a stange feeling under there but not do bad. i would do it again. take care julie

Unknown

cruf said:

I'm happy with the results of my TRAMFLAP. I'm thinner than ever! My breast is as soft as the other one. Yes, my abdomen feels like I'm wearing a girdle all the time and I feel the mesh and internal sutures cause I'm so thin, but I'm glad I went this route. Feb. 2nd, I go for the revision to "perfect" the shape of my boob, make a nipple, and remove a few internal sutures in my abdomen that are pushing through my skin. Cathy

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