reconstruction

lynna

I had a single mastectomy on one side, then I had a TRAM but the vessels didn't work so they removed it in 4 days. A month later they were to try again using hip vessels and tissue but the vessels by the breast still looked iffy so they put in a implant under the breast muscle, planning another surgery in 3-6 months. This was only a week ago, but the implant is way up by my cullarbone and hurts alot, does anyone know if it does move down or this happens alot? Any suggestions on how to help it along?

martyzl

Wow Lynna! You have gone through a lot already! Keep your head up, it won't last forever. I cannot help you with the implant issue as I am a Tram "wearer" but I would suggest you get ahold of your plastic surgeon today! There is NO need to be uncomfortable and worried!
Let us know how you are coming along.
All my best.

Be well,
~marty

chessie

Lynna, I too had reconstruction (tissue expander and later, permanent implant). No, I don't think the implant should be up that high - you should contact your doctor asap! I had to wear a band across my chest for two weeks after the surgery, to help keep the implant from shifting.

throbinson

I've heard that an implant can sometimes be placed up higher at first, and will "drop" in a few weeks. Please ask your doctor about this. Hope everything goes well. I had a mastectomy on 11/11/04 and elected not to go with the reconstruction, but everybody's different and it's a very personal decision.