Anyone go from implants to tram/diep flap?

jendrey
jendrey Member Posts: 377
in Breast Cancer #1
Did you start out with implants and then have a tram flap or other using-your-own-tissue reconstruction? Why or what was the reason and are you ok with the results? What would you do different?

(((Hugs)))

Comments

  • ESDC
    ESDC Member Posts: 43
    #2
    Gold standard
    Thanks for starting this post as it's something I'm considering. I've just had a left side mastectomy with immediate strattice reconstruction and expander implant (8th August 2012). All along I was worried about having to have the implant changed and then again throughout my lifetime as the silicone implants have a finite life. From research I've found that the tram/diep flap is considered the gold standard of reconstruction but carries the greatest risk of rejection/infection, and has the greatest recovery time - no pain no gain! Here in the UK this operation really is in it's infancy and very few hospitals are able to offer this procedure. My surgeon said that he only recommends this if there isn't any other option as the risks involved are too great. However, I think stateside this procedure is a lot more common and surgeons are far more experienced. From other blogs I've read the main thing to try to avoid is having any of the muscle removed which seems quite difficult and cannot be guaranteed before surgery in most cases. If my implant rejects and I'm able to have this operation then I'll definitely take the risk but, at the moment I'm due to start chemo and don't want anything to delay that.

    Sorry this is just my thoughts and doesn't give much real info' but hope it helps in some way.

    Best of luck

    xx
  • jendrey
    jendrey Member Posts: 377
    #3
    ESDC said:

    Gold standard
    Thanks for starting this post as it's something I'm considering. I've just had a left side mastectomy with immediate strattice reconstruction and expander implant (8th August 2012). All along I was worried about having to have the implant changed and then again throughout my lifetime as the silicone implants have a finite life. From research I've found that the tram/diep flap is considered the gold standard of reconstruction but carries the greatest risk of rejection/infection, and has the greatest recovery time - no pain no gain! Here in the UK this operation really is in it's infancy and very few hospitals are able to offer this procedure. My surgeon said that he only recommends this if there isn't any other option as the risks involved are too great. However, I think stateside this procedure is a lot more common and surgeons are far more experienced. From other blogs I've read the main thing to try to avoid is having any of the muscle removed which seems quite difficult and cannot be guaranteed before surgery in most cases. If my implant rejects and I'm able to have this operation then I'll definitely take the risk but, at the moment I'm due to start chemo and don't want anything to delay that.

    Sorry this is just my thoughts and doesn't give much real info' but hope it helps in some way.

    Best of luck

    xx

    ...
    And I have a vertical scar from my naval down to the top of my pubic area...so I at least don't have to worry about any muscle loss!!! =) But it does hinder how much tissue can be used in my case.

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