Breast reconstruction
I am still planning a reconstruction
Julie,
aged 29, was given the choice of having a reconstruction at the same time as having a mastectomy,
although it was not recommended.
I'm a size 10D and take a size 8 in clothes. When I was told I was to have a mastectomy, I immediately wanted to book in for a reconstruction. I didn't think I could possibly live with only one breast. I had my mastectomy done three years ago and it is only recently that I begun to consider a reconstruction so I commenced my investigations. I've been to see many specialists in the field of cosmetic and plastic surgery. Each of them have told me that it will be possible for me to have one of two different types of reconstruction.
I have been to see a few plastic surgeons and cosmetic surgeons, they have gone through in detail with me the operations they think would be more suitable/successful for me. I was given the choice of a 'Tummy Tuck' or Saline/Silicone implant.
The Tummy Tuck was recommended as one of the more successful operations to have. It is part of your own body (your tummy) that is being used in the breast reconstruction and therefore has a better chance of adapting to another part of your body in the creation of another breast.
A Saline or Silicone Implant can also be used, particularly if you have a small breast size. It might be easier to match the size and shape of your remaining breast. The silicone/saline implant needs to attach itself to the chest muscle in order for the operation to be a success. These operations are also known to be successful and realistic in appearance.
Julie went through a lot of investigation and has not yet undergone the operation.
