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Nose Reconstruction Surgery
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Question: I recently had a radical masectomy for breast
cancer.I just consulted with the surgeon who
will do the reconstruction.He told me about
two types of sugeries.One is the saline
implant the other is called the tram flap.I
wanted to hear from others who have had
these types of sugeries.The decision is
up to me.I don't know which one is better
in the long run.Any input will be
appreciated.
Answer: have had BOTH types of surgery. I had a
mastectomy with simultaneous TRAM flap reconstruction. This was TOO
much surgery at one time, despite my being healthy (well, except for
the cancer!) and in good shape and with good strength and stamina, it
would have been better had I waited and had reconstruction later, but
no one told me I had that option. The recovery was extremely
difficult, and the flap ultimately failed due to lack of sufficient
blood supply. This led to several more day surgeries to clean out the
dead tissue, etc. Eventually, it all had to be removed and I had a
saline implant.
I must note that about 10% of TRAM flap surgeries ultimately fail. I
knew that going in.
With hindsight being 20/20, I would have had a double mastectomy (one
side preventative) and saline implants. The recovery from the DAY
surgery to put in the implant was quite easy. Over time, one doesn't
even notice it. I have had no trouble with the implant (about 3 years
now).
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