[2024-10-29] Breast reconstruction reset
Today, I met with the surgeon who did my breast reconstruction operation in September. Dr. Lee confirmed what we suspected at my last visit, namely, that my right expandable implant has ruptured.
We discussed two options for fixing this issue:
- Surgery to remove the ruptured implant and replace it with another expandable implant, followed by a second surgery some months later to replace the expanded implants with final implants.
- Surgery to replace both expandable implants with final implants.
Dr. Lee noted that Option 1 would result in better symmetry between the two breasts, as it's easier to make adjustments to expandable implants. She stated the obvious advantage of Option 2: it would entail one surgery as opposed to two.
I told Dr. Lee that additional surgeries don't worry me. She felt that I was a good candidate for Option 1. She also noted that this would be a relatively quick operation, as the pocket for the implant was already created during the first surgery and the new operation would involve only one breast.
Before today's appointment, I had wondered whether Option 1 would be on the table. It feels like the right choice—two steps forward to get to the optimum final outcome. I recognize that every operation is a gamble, but my gut tells me this is the way to go, especially given that my overall recovery has gone well.
The surgery is expected to occur within the next one to two months.
