Posted by Jaylin (post) on May 5, 2008, 2:45 am
75.82.43.85
Hello Doctor,
I am a unilateral delayed mastectomy. I have been considering a stacked DIEP for my reconstruction. After much research I am now thinking that I should go ahead with a prophylactic mastectomy on the unaffected breast (I had Stage 2 with lymph involvement. My neoadjuvant chemotherapy didn't shrink the tumor much either so had to have a mastectomy and radiation). I have a couple of questions about aesthetics and practicality:
1. If I have an S-Gap for both breasts will the fine white stretch marks on the top of my backside be apparent as my breast skin? If so, how bad will that look?
2. If I opt for a stacked DIEP for one side, can an Alloderm 1-step process be used for the other side? How will symmetry be affected by this?
3. What do you think is the best choice in this situation? I don't have enough tissue for two breasts with DIEP unless they were really small. Between an S-Gap with fine stretch marks and the DIEP/implant option what would give the best results?
Thanks in advance dear doctor.-- J.
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