What To Do If You Are Unhappy With Your Breast Reconstruction
If you’re feeling dissatisfied with your breast reconstruction, know that you have options to achieve the results you desire. Many women may find that their initial reconstruction didn’t fully meet their aesthetic or physical expectations, but advanced revision procedures can help restore confidence and comfort. Our experienced San Antonio surgeons specialize in revision breast reconstruction, working with you to understand your goals and provide personalized solutions, whether that involves reshaping, adding breast symmetry, or even restoring sensation through innovative techniques. Choosing a revision isn’t just about changing your appearance—it’s about feeling empowered to make adjustments for your well-being and happiness. Take the next step toward a result that truly reflects you!
What Might Cause Dissatisfaction with Breast Reconstruction Results
While breast reconstruction can be life-changing, it’s natural that some women may feel their initial results don’t fully meet their expectations. Dissatisfaction can arise from a variety of factors, so understanding these challenges and the solutions available can be an empowering step for women.
Asymmetry
Asymmetry can occur for various reasons, including differences in tissue availability, healing responses, and even the natural shape of your body. Asymmetry may not become apparent until after the swelling subsides or as your body changes over time. It’s important to remember that each body is unique, and achieving perfect symmetry is often challenging. However, the good news is that options like revision surgeries or enhancements can help address asymmetry and enhance your overall results
Poor Skin Quality
Previous surgeries, radiation therapy, or even genetics can affect the elasticity and health of your skin, leading to complications like delayed healing, irregular texture, or unsightly scarring. These issues may hinder the aesthetic outcome you envisioned, making it crucial to address them proactively.
Implant Issues
Implants can cause complications like rupture, displacement, or capsular contracture, where scar tissue hardens around the implant, altering its shape and feel. Additionally, some women may feel that the size or shape of their implants doesn’t align with their expectations, especially as their bodies change over time due to weight fluctuations or aging.
Sensory Changes
One of the lesser-discussed yet impactful aspects of breast reconstruction is the potential for sensory changes, which can lead to feelings of dissatisfaction for some women. After surgery, it’s not uncommon to experience altered breast sensations, including numbness or heightened sensitivity in the reconstructed area. These changes can occur due to nerve damage during the surgical process or the healing of tissue. For many, the loss of sensation can be disheartening, especially when the reconstructed breast does not feel the same as before.
Psychological Impact
Many women experience a complex mix of emotions following breast reconstruction surgery, including anxiety, disappointment, or even a sense of loss as they adjust to their new bodies. The reality of reconstruction may not always align with expectations, leading to feelings of inadequacy or sadness. By fostering an open dialogue about your feelings and experiences, we aim to empower you to embrace your unique healing journey.
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Gloria
Hi , I just had a double mastectomy 3 weeks ago , I was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2020 on my right breast . Before my mastectomy I had saline breast implants I was a size 34D. I am 5’7 and weigh 115 pds after chemotherapy , my normal weight is 128 pds . I asked my plastic surgeon about tissue expanders to achieve the size I was , he told me I did not need them because my tissue was already stretched from my implants . So he did immediate reconstruction during the mastectomy. He said I had to be smaller than I was . I am very depressed and disappointed with my reconstruction, my implants are very flat . I understand it’s not the same as an augmentation, but I feel like I wasn’t given options , i seen a lot of reconstruction stories from other women and how satisfied with size they are and I wonder why I had to be stuck with such small implants . It seems really unfair to me . I also had a nipple sparing mastectomy. Can you please help me on options I may have , the stress of the cancer was so much and I just want to feel good about myself after all this nightmare
PRMA Plastic Surgery
We are so sorry to hear you are going through so much. Please know that it can sometimes take more than one procedure to achieve your desired results. We recommend following up with your surgeon to discuss your outcome goals. Of course, following your revision surgery, if you are still unhappy with your results we would be happy to provide you a second opinion.
Jen
I will say that my surgeons were wonderful, but I didn’t expect to be so much smaller than I was before my DIEP flap reconstruction. I went from DDD to what looks like to me now B or C cup. I knew I would be smaller because I didn’t have enough belly fat to be the size I was, but I see so much smaller than I thought. I’m still healing, and happy with the reconstruction, just not the size.
PRMA Plastic Surgery
There are options like fat grafting that can help increase breast size for patients after DIEP flap. We recommend discussing your concerns with your surgeon to see what your options are.
Michelle Ferullo
I had bilateral mastectomy followed by implant reconstructive procedure 10 weeks ago. Like others mine are smaller than expected but that’s not what is upsetting. I feel like the implants are under my arms and not where the should be. One side has a visible indentation towards the top while the other is full at the top. I’m not happy at all. If I complain it’s as if I’m questioning the plastic surgeons work. Is there anything that can push implants into place? When I lie down the go further under arms. I thought implants stayed in place. What can I do?
Lana Cobb
Thanks so much for sharing with us Michelle, we are so sorry you are going through this. Our best advice is for you to be open and honest with your surgeon about your concerns. Should you still feel uncomfortable, we would recommend seeking a second opinion from a board certified plastic surgeon.