Symmetrical Breast Lift/Reduction

DJC
DJC Member Posts: 52
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Good Day All - I'm due to go in this month to have my symmetrical (non-impacted) breast lifted and reduced to match the reconstructed breast. My plastic surgeon will have to reposition my nipple, so the resulting scar should resemble an anchor in shape. Would appreciate some feedback from any of you who have undergone this type of procedure - hospital stay length? recovery time? will drains be employed? can movement of the corresponding arm be permenantly impacted? has the scar(s) faded with time? will the breast maintain it's rounded dimensions (I've never had children)?, etc. I'll, of course, ask all of these questions and others of my plastic surgeon as I get closer to my surgery date, but I thought I'd query you "veterens" first. As always, your responses are very much appreciated. My best to all - Donna

Comments

  • wingingit
    wingingit Member Posts: 48
    #2
    Hi, Donna! I had this surgery July 2003 (5 mos. after free TRAM flap)and at the same time my surgeon revised (liposuction) my mastectomy side. This was only day surgery and I was allowed to leave a few hours after recovering from the anesthesia. There were no drains (yeah!) and movement of my arm was not affected. The shape of the scar with the repositioned nipple is like what you described. The scar has faded some but you probably have a fairly good idea how much scarring you generally have from wounds. With the lifted breast , the vertical part of the scar shows more than the bottom of the *anchor* which is hidden in the bottom fold of the breast. I am not sure whether I can answer your question concerning the shape of the breast, but I imagine if you had a rounded breast before, it will remain so. When looking in the mirror my breasts look very similar, but if I look down at my lifted breast, it is slightly more cone-shaped than the TRAM flap side. (It became less obvious after having my nipple reconstructed 10/03.)

    I went to a July 4th party the next day. I found the only discomfort I had was a slight itching of the skin while it was healing and the nipple area was extra sensitive for a couple of months as well. My plastic surgeon had me wear a compression bra for several weeks.

    I think my results are good. Of course, your doctor will be able to better tell you what to expect in your particular case, but hope this gives you a little preview of things to come . . . Krista
  • imrezilient
    imrezilient Member Posts: 6
    #3
    Hello,
    I just had my right breast lifted and my permanent silicone implant put in one week ago today. I had my surgery at Sloan Kettering and I feel I was in very good hands. On the lifted side, I did not need a reduction, just a lift, and yes, the scar does look like an anchor. The incision is around the aerola and a verticle line in the center, below the aerola. I went for a follow up visit just yesterday and thing are healing very well. I think the "lift" will definetly improve symmetry, especially with summer around the corner. I will be getting my nipple surgery in the fall.
    Take care, and please feel free to ask me for anymore info.
    Susan
  • rwilliams
    rwilliams Member Posts: 1
    #4
    wingingit said:

    Hi, Donna! I had this surgery July 2003 (5 mos. after free TRAM flap)and at the same time my surgeon revised (liposuction) my mastectomy side. This was only day surgery and I was allowed to leave a few hours after recovering from the anesthesia. There were no drains (yeah!) and movement of my arm was not affected. The shape of the scar with the repositioned nipple is like what you described. The scar has faded some but you probably have a fairly good idea how much scarring you generally have from wounds. With the lifted breast , the vertical part of the scar shows more than the bottom of the *anchor* which is hidden in the bottom fold of the breast. I am not sure whether I can answer your question concerning the shape of the breast, but I imagine if you had a rounded breast before, it will remain so. When looking in the mirror my breasts look very similar, but if I look down at my lifted breast, it is slightly more cone-shaped than the TRAM flap side. (It became less obvious after having my nipple reconstructed 10/03.)

    I went to a July 4th party the next day. I found the only discomfort I had was a slight itching of the skin while it was healing and the nipple area was extra sensitive for a couple of months as well. My plastic surgeon had me wear a compression bra for several weeks.

    I think my results are good. Of course, your doctor will be able to better tell you what to expect in your particular case, but hope this gives you a little preview of things to come . . . Krista

    Hi,Krista I notice in your reply too Donna that you had a TRAM flap .I have finished chemo & radiation and will be having reconstruction this summer and I chose to do the TRAM flap.Will you please share some of your experiences with this surgery .Email msramonawilliams@yahoo.com....Thanks,Ramona

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