This week, James E. Craigie, MD, of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answers your question.

Question: I had a direct implant after a mastectomy and have had pain from under my arm to the implant along the scar tissue for 4 months. Should I have a 2nd surgery to remove the scar tissue/neuroma?

Answer: Thank you for your question. It is important for the doctor who did your reconstruction to examine you for any specific causes of the pain. If there is no other reason for you to have surgery on the breast, you could consider a nerve block to see if it is a neuroma. If the block did not last, then considering surgery would be next. If you had any other reason for surgery on the breast (capsular contraction for example), then you might skip the block and ask your surgeon if the scar could be removed during the surgery.

 Have a question about breast reconstruction or post-surgical you’d like answered from our surgical team? Just ask!

This week, James E. Craigie, MD, of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answers your question.

Question: I had a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy and tram flap done at MD Anderson in 2004. I have had numerous problems since. Last week, I was in a car accident which I had severe bruising to my sternum and a bruise across my left breast caused by the seatbelt. I feel swollen and bruised in both breast and under my arms. Could I have problems with my breasts this long after the surgery? The pain I am having is much like how it felt after the surgery. Thank you in advance for any advice that you could give me.

Answer: Sorry you had some problems, but glad to hear you survived the accident. Most likely your breasts will be fine. Once the body heals after the tram procedure the blood supply grows in to the new breast, and it should heal like any other part of the body. It is possible that the bruising could cause some fat necrosis. It will take some time for the bruising to resolve then you can have your doctor check your breasts for scaring.

Have a question about breast reconstruction or post-surgical you’d like answered from our surgical team? Just ask!

This week, James E. Craigie, MD, of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answers your question.

Question: About 10 years ago, I had a prophylactic, skin-sparing, bi-lateral mastectomy, an an immediate reconstruction with a TRAM flap, using the latissamus dorsi muscles. However, the muscle was never cut. The muscle is going from my back around my side, it has since filled with fluid. The issue is, when I exercise it pulls, and it’s very painful. I spoke to one surgeon to cut the muscle, and he said I’d need to know where all the nerves are. Is it possible to give me mobility in my arms again?

Answer: Thank you for your question. It is possible to detach the muscle from the nerve or reposition the muscle so it does not pull as much on the breast when you exercise. In the processes, scar may be released and that may help with the mobility of your arms. Unfortunately, it is hard to say for sure because the latissimus muscle is involved with moving your arms, and the surgery to release the muscle will not return it to is normal function. The good news is that you could most likely get an improvement. I could tell you more if I were to see you or perhaps review photos of your breast reconstruction. Let me know if you need more information.

Have a question about breast reconstruction or post-surgical you’d like answered from our surgical team? Just ask!

This week, James E. Craigie, MD, of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answers your question.

Question: Great to meet you and your wonderful staff yesterday. We thought we had asked every question possible, but we got in the car and my aunt asked the question I didn’t think of! How long will the surgery take/be under anesthesia? First procedure and second?

Answer: It was my pleasure to meet you yesterday! Thank you for coming! The time under anesthesia for the first step would range between 3-5 hours. The times vary depending on the microsurgery and the type of connections we may need to make to have a healthy new breast the size required to meet your expectations. The second stage is also variable and ranges from 1.5hrs to 3 hrs. Thanks for your question. Let me know if you have any additional questions

Have a question about breast reconstruction or post-surgical you’d like answered from our surgical team? Just ask!

This week, James E. Craigie, MD, of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answers your question.

Question: How long does it take to reconstruct the breast? And how much does it cost for a survivor like me in Zambia, Africa. I would love to do it. Thanks and God bless.

Answer: Thanks for your question. The procedures to reconstruct the breast can take 3-7 hours depending on the type of procedure, individual factors, etc. Also, more than one procedure is required. The cost depends on your insurance. Are you living in the United States? Your question suggests you are living in Zambia. I don’t know anything about how much it would cost there. Let me know if you need more information.

Have a question about breast reconstruction or post-surgical you’d like answered from our surgical team? Just ask!

Be sure to check out the summer issue of Breast Cancer Wellness.