Augmentation after reconstruction

[Ralmom]

I had a double mastectomy in 7/2004 at the age of 34.  I had immediate bilateral reconstruction with the TRAM- free flap.  (And after 3 kids, I was happy about my new flat stomach.)  Since the surgery I have intentionally lost about 35 lbs.  I am 5'10" and weigh 130 lbs, but now I have no breasts because of the weight loss and my chest looks abnormal, almost as if I had never had reconstruction to begin with.

I am happy with my weight and have maintained for the past 6 months, but I am wondering about having augmentation with implants now.  I can't seem to find any information about this subject.  I will see my plastic surgeon in a few weeks but was hoping to find something out before then.  I'm tired of wearing bras that are so padded with silicone that I feel like I'm wearing protheses!

Thanks!

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear Ralmon:  Your plastic surgeon is the person that is best equipped to answer this question.  As he/she is familiar with the previous reconstruction, he/she can better determine whether this is a possibility for you and the pros and cons of such a surgery as well as the expected outcome.

[rkmsim]

I can relate to how you feel and I hope you will be able to work out something with your PS.  When I had DIEP reconstruction in 2004 I told my PS that I planned to lose weight so would he please add extra tissue to accomodate the weight loss.  I wanted to be a 36B after I lost the weight.  He brought me up to a 38C with the recon and now after losing weight I am at my desired 36B.  If he hadn't done that, I'm sure I would be where you are. It's too bad your PS didn't suggest making you larger initially since you intended to lose the weight.  In any case, I sincerely hope you will be able to get what you want.  After everything you have gone through, it is disappointing to not have the results you wanted.

[Ralmom]

Thanks for your comments.  It's just so frustrating not to be able to find ANYTHING on the subject of implants after recon.  I'm not looking to be double D by any means, but with my height and wide "child-birthing" hips, I just want to be able to fill out a tank top or bathing suit and look semi-proportional at the same time.

[HW123]

What did you end up doing?  Were you able to get implants?  I have a similar problem.  Thanks.

[Ralmom]

I am happy to say that I am scheduled for bilat implants in about a month.  The great thing is that my insurance will cover the surgery. I can't wait!  Sometimes I find myself in denial that I even had breast cancer- I just think- hey, I had a tummy tuck and breast augmentation!  I'm looking forward to looking proportional in a swimsuit this summer...

[Shrinkage After Radiation]

I've tried to live with the results of my bilateral reconstruction for the past six years, but I have reached my limit.  I had radiation on my left breast, now it has shrunk.  While my right breast is a "B" cup in size, the left is almost an "A".  I have to wear padded bras and inserts to compensate for the loss. The most painful part is when my husband would suggest how nice I would look in sexy lingerie and dresses with no straps, all I can say is I can't wear that. I can't even tell him why not, (not that he would not understand, I just can't). I won't even walk in the nude around him in the light.  I did have the TRAM procedure done initially and did use the fat from my stomach to reconstruct my breast. I really worked my arm and breast to keep down the scar tissue.  I have full range of motion with my arm and very little scar tissue right above the radiation site. I am so desperate to hear of a procedure that can be done on a site after radiation. At this point, I'm willing to try anything.