Breast Cancer : My first tissue expander had to be removed due to infection. Should I switch to tram or diep for my next try?

My first tissue expander had to be removed due to infection. Should I switch to tram or diep for my next try?

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Topic Tags:

Tissue Expander, Infection, Breast Reconstruction, DIEP Flap, Breast Reconstruction Side Effects, DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction, Surgery Side Effects

Topic Tags:

Tissue Expander X Infection X Breast Reconstruction X DIEP Flap X Breast Reconstruction Side Effects X DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction X Surgery Side Effects X

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Diseases:

Breast Cancer

Diseases:

Breast Cancer

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Answer Summary

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Expert Answers

naturalbreastrecon (Physician - Surgery - Plastic (Verified) ) - 12 / 20 / 2011

So sorry to hear of your troubles with tissue expanders. Unfortunately 30% of the women we perform DIEP flaps for have had failed attempts at implant/expander reconstruction. It is possible that the infection could be treated and then later re-try an implant but it may very well happen again. The benefit of the DIEP is that no implants are use and the risk for infection is minimal. It also preserves the muscles of your tummy wall while producing a natural, soft, warm breast that is meant to last a lifetime. (We don't perform TRAM flaps any longer since the DIEP preserves the muscle)

James E. Craigie, M.D.

Shared Experiences

member6301 (Current Patient) - 12 / 20 / 2011

Thank you Dr. This just happened after four months with the expander in so I'm still pretty confused. My PS says he has never lost on a second expander try so my inclination is to give that route a second chance. I understand if infection sets in with expander and alloderm it's more likely during mastectomy due to larger area for infection to settle in and my lack of blood supply also compromised the healing. As I heal for six months I will be researching more on DIEP. Thanks again.

member9324 (Current Patient) - 01 / 02 / 2012

I had diep flap reconstruction on 11/15. Unfortunately flap on rt side failed, so I have an implant on the rt and the flap on the left. I like the appearance and the feel of the flap versus the implant. The implant has really been causing a lot of trouble for me, and I may just have it taken out.. Make sure you really do your homework on this. It was a grueling 15 hour surgery for me. I also needed a blood transfusion after.

I don't regret my choice, but it is a little disappointing to go through all of that and not have optimal results. Good luck with everything.

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