This week, James E. Craigie, MD, of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answers your question.
Question: After twice replacing implants due to scarring, I had them removed and a subsequent breast lift. The result since Nov.4 is necrosis of the nipple and breast tissue. Surgery was performed to remove the dead tissue and I am left with open wounds that have to be dressed twice a day.
My Dr. has a wait until it heals over the next 6 months and another Dr. in Atlanta recommends a mastectomy, skin grafts from the back and expanders followed by implants. I am scared to death of more implant trouble and psychologically I can’t bear these holes and open wounds any longer. Can you help me?
Answer: I’m sorry to hear you have had such a difficult time. I cannot give you specific advise without having more information from you. If you would like to send me photos I would be glad to look at them. It is possible I could then let you know if I agree with the options you have been given.
If you need to have breast reconstruction then I agree it seems that your body does not do well with implants. There are multiple options that do not include using implants and we specialize in using skin and fatty tissue to rebuild breasts. We do this without sacrificing your body’s important muscles. If you would like more information about these techniques let me know. Thank you for your question.
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