This week, James E. Craigie, MD, of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answers your question.
Question: I had a double lumpectomy on my right breast 16 years ago. I also had chemo and radiation. I never had reconstruction but was willing to live with it. But over the years I think the radiation has made my breast smaller and both breasts droop now.
Are there any surgeries being performed using stomach fat and how complicated for a 66 year old would this be? I am very healthy and exercise and workout a lot.
Answer: We routinely do reconstructive surgery on patients your age and older with good results (we did a bilateral DIEP reconstruction on a 74 year old lady a few weeks ago). Your overall medical condition is much more important than your chronological age.
You are correct to think that using your own tissue is usually preferable if you have had radiation, as the success rate in this situation is much higher using your own tissue than trying to use implants. The surgery is big, but we do it routinely, and it may well be your best option.
We would be happy to have our nurse Chris or P.A. Kim call you to discuss your situation further, and I will be happy to speak with you, if you wish. Thanks for your inquiry!
Have a question about breast reconstruction or post-surgical you’d like answered from our surgical team? Just ask!
