Tram flap reconstruction

amrobey
amrobey Member Posts: 4
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Four weeks ago I had a bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. I chose the tram flap for reconstruction. I am still very swollen and have been told by my plastic surgeon it will take a couple of months. I have some hard areas on one of my breasts and I am concerned about the tissue staying soft. Does anyone know if there is anything that can be done (or should be done) for that? Is it normal? It is uncomfortable. Thanks!

Comments

  • New Flower
    New Flower Member Posts: 4,294
    #2
    Hi
    Welcome to the site. Ask your plastic surgeon weather or not having hard areas is normal. I had DIEP Flap about 16 months ago. Physical therapy did help with range of motion and massage of breast. Ask your doc if you can start it and references for a good specialist.
    Easy healing and recovery,
    New Flower
  • mariam_11_09
    mariam_11_09 Member Posts: 691 Member
    #3
    Hi, I had DIEP flap on

    Hi, I had DIEP flap on 1/5/10 and am recovering well however I do too have some rather firm/hard skin on the under part and outside of my reconstructed breast. I was concerned it was necrosis however the plastic surgeon said it was just the skin. I have been massaging oils into breast and putting oils on the scars and it seems to have softened up a little. However I see him on Wednesday and am going to press him for more information.
  • cats_toy
    cats_toy Member Posts: 1,462 Member
    #4
    free flap
    I had a partial mastectomy and went in for reconstruction in August using the free flap. As my nipple was saved, there was about three quarters of the breast to be constructed. The skin of the nipple is kind of tough, first from the radiation, then from the reconstruction. They say it depends on the individual whether it will get softer again or not. I don't really mind, but I do massage it alot and use cream to try helping. And.... I only get "high beam", as that nipple doesn't have as much sensation...lol.
    Cat
  • amrobey
    amrobey Member Posts: 4
    #5
    New Flower said:

    Hi
    Welcome to the site. Ask your plastic surgeon weather or not having hard areas is normal. I had DIEP Flap about 16 months ago. Physical therapy did help with range of motion and massage of breast. Ask your doc if you can start it and references for a good specialist.
    Easy healing and recovery,
    New Flower

    THANKS!

    THANKS!
  • amrobey
    amrobey Member Posts: 4
    #6
    mariam_11_09 said:

    Hi, I had DIEP flap on

    Hi, I had DIEP flap on 1/5/10 and am recovering well however I do too have some rather firm/hard skin on the under part and outside of my reconstructed breast. I was concerned it was necrosis however the plastic surgeon said it was just the skin. I have been massaging oils into breast and putting oils on the scars and it seems to have softened up a little. However I see him on Wednesday and am going to press him for more information.

    Glad you are recovering
    Glad you are recovering well! I may try some oils if my dr says ok - Thanks!
  • amrobey
    amrobey Member Posts: 4
    #7
    cats_toy said:

    free flap
    I had a partial mastectomy and went in for reconstruction in August using the free flap. As my nipple was saved, there was about three quarters of the breast to be constructed. The skin of the nipple is kind of tough, first from the radiation, then from the reconstruction. They say it depends on the individual whether it will get softer again or not. I don't really mind, but I do massage it alot and use cream to try helping. And.... I only get "high beam", as that nipple doesn't have as much sensation...lol.
    Cat

    Thanks Cat, and thanks for a
    Thanks Cat, and thanks for a little laugh. I needed that this morning :o)

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