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Reconstruction after mastectomy

Busymum39
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2/7/25 diagnosed with DCIS in left breast 

I’ve opted for a full mastectomy with reconstructive surgery as the spread of infection is too large 

Im hoping to take the new breast from my tummy. Im seeing the surgeon on Monday 

my question is how is the procedure done?

do they lift my breast skin, take out all the tissue and muscle and replace it with tummy tissue and sew me back up? Or do they remove the whole breast, skin, tissue and muscle, and create a new one with skin etc from my tummy. Where will the stitches be? Just underneath or all round my new breast?

 I will lose the nipple as there is a lump behind it.

nurses have been great and explained everything but this wasn’t exactly clear. I will ask again but just thought I’d ask here 

thanks

  • Hello, and thank you for your post.

    I am sorry to learn of your situation. This must be difficult.

    I can appreciate that you need to know exactly what is happening, so you can prepare for what is ahead. Unfortunately, we cannot say how your reconstruction will be done as we are not involved in your care. This is individual and will depend on several things, such as your body type and what the desired shape may be.

    You have probably seen our information on breast reconstruction and how it is done, and Breast Cancer Now also has some very good information.

    It is worth writing down any questions you may have and asking the doctors to repeat and clarify anything that you are unsure of.

    I am sorry we cannot be more helpful, but I hope you can get the answers you need on Monday. In the meantime, if you would like to talk things through with one of the nurses on the helpline, we are available 9 am -5 pm, Monday to Friday and the freephone number to call is 0808 800 4040.

    Take care,

    Jemma

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