Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Saline Implants

I am a 58 year old female who had a simple mastectomy in November 2003 for a 1.1 cm invasive medullary carcinoma. The sentinel node biopsy was negative and the tumor was ER/PR negative and Her/Neu negative.  I underwent four chemo cycles of AC that were completed 3 weeks ago. When I go for my post-op follow-up with the surgeon next month, I would like to start the reconstruction process.  My first choice would be a saline implant, but I have several concerns.  
1)My remaining breast is size 40C. Would the surgeon be able to provide me with a fairly good match in size and structure? At 58, I have some "sagging" of the remaining breast.
2)Will the 6 month delay between the mastectomy and reconstruction cause problems with getting the tissue to expand? I do have a considerable amount of tissue left in the area of the mastectomy.
Thanks so much for your help.
2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Dear Belleview Teacher:  Your plastic surgeon will be the best equipped to give you an answer as it pertains to you.  However, the amount and quality of tissue remaining will dictate the amount of "breast" that can be provided.  Very often, in larger breasted women, a good match may require a "lift" on the opposite side.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
the time interval won't be a problem at all. As to matching the other side, the plastic surgeon will have to evaluate you to decide. Sometimes a reduction on the opposite side is recommended.
Helpful - 0

You are reading content posted in the Breast Cancer Forum

Popular Resources
A quick primer on the different ways breast cancer can be treated.
Diet and digestion have more to do with cancer prevention than you may realize
From mammograms to personal hygiene, learn the truth about these deadly breast cancer rumors.
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.