three stage uplift and implant

[dellymolly]

Hi there, not a frequent poster but have been an avid lurker since before my gastric bypass surgery in 2012.

I’ve lost 8 stone and maintained within 7lb of my lowest weight, so I range from 12st10 to 13st4.

Would have liked to have got to 11st7 but didn’t quite manage it and actually don’t feel too bad as I am.

My question is - has anyone experienced a breast reconstruction with reduction and uplift and implant in 2 or 3 stages and can give me any advice?

I have been given funding on the NHS for this procedure due to a large degree of asymmetry. The asymmetry was always there but weight loss has made it more prominent.

The surgeon is proposing:

Surgery 1 - make the left breast as small as the right one, using the usual reduction technique.

Surgery 2 – 3 months later, insert temporary implants in both sides, have regular fills to stretch the skin/enlarge the implants

Surgery 3 – when happy with size and symmetry, remove temporary implants and put proper ones in place.

After all that I’m still not guaranteed they will be very symmetrical or feel the same…im also worried about scarring, the stretching of any scarring from the reduction on the left larger breast, risk of infection, 3 periods off sickness from work…..im also worried that i will look very odd with big fake boobies and bingo wings, other excess skin.... all I can find are reasons not to go ahead!

It really isn’t as simple as a good old boob job! Im finding it hard to get advice from friends as they don’t seem to understand that this is a reconstructive surgery rather than a cosmetic one.

Does anyone have any positive experience of any part of this process?

 

[gweni]

Hi I have experience will post more later when im on pc

 

[gweni]

OK where to start I had both breasts removed and suffered from asymmetry as well.

They will never look perfect but they won't look like Pammy anderson either the implants they use are very good tear drop shape don't go round.. round will look fake the questions you want to ask are@

Are they removing breast tissue?
Are they putting the implant behind the muscle
Can they not do the reduction and implant same time (this is possible i had it done) and then you get the fills the fills are easy peasy its a SIMPLE needle in the breast takes about 2 min.

As for the surgery time honestly it is easy recovery i was back at work after my fills and replacement with normal implant in 2 days.

but dont expect miracles I could show you pictures now mine is different as i had my breasts cut off completely and rebuilt but they dont look equal they don't look like a model but they work for me and in a bra it looks aewsome.

 

[dellymolly]

OK where to start I had both breasts removed and suffered from asymmetry as well.

They will never look perfect but they won't look like Pammy anderson either the implants they use are very good tear drop shape don't go round.. round will look fake the questions you want to ask are@

Are they removing breast tissue?
Are they putting the implant behind the muscle
Can they not do the reduction and implant same time (this is possible i had it done) and then you get the fills the fills are easy peasy its a SIMPLE needle in the breast takes about 2 min.

As for the surgery time honestly it is easy recovery i was back at work after my fills and replacement with normal implant in 2 days.

but dont expect miracles I could show you pictures now mine is different as i had my breasts cut off completely and rebuilt but they dont look equal they don't look like a model but they work for me and in a bra it looks aewsome.

thanks so much for your response gweni, i really appreciate it.

im aware of tear drop shaped implants and would prefer them but i do need to ask about placing under the muscle or over etc

im not sure i have much actual breast tissue in either breast to be honest so was expecting it to be mainly skin hes reducing??? but i do need to ask that.

i will also ask about doing the first 2 stages in one - i just kind of accepted what he said but if i can reduce the amount of procedures in any way that would be great.

im worried about the scars being stretched.. i might ask if he has any before and after pics of his other similar work? im not sure if NHS surgeons do that kind of thing but woth asking.

i need to make a list for my next appointment dont i lol

im not expecting miracles, he told me to expect an improved volume and shape - rather than complete symetry or a perfect look - i can accept that.... but what if im really un happy with the final result? theres no going back!

 

[gweni]

Yes patients go thru medical photography when you say scars stretched what do you mean? The insesions are small and heal up even with full removal under 5 yrs my scars are hardly anything

 

[dellymolly]

thanks so much for your help.

when i say stretched scarring i mean the scar from the reduction on the left breast, which will be the the anchor shaped one (around the nipple, down the breast and under the breast) so im wondering how thet scar will react to stretching of the skin with the adjustable implant......in saying that though i guess it may not be an issue of the skin stretching very far more just filling out the empty pocket of skin evenly? .... i want full boobs of a smiliar size to each other not enormous ones lol

youve been so helpful thankyou, i might have a look for other forums around breast surgery and see if i can find others willing to share thier experiences.

i now feel like a have a good list of important questions for my next appointment though!