Strattice - New option for breast reconstruction
Hi
I am new to this and trying to do a little research for friend needing a mastectomy and breast reconstruction.
It is helpful to read about the various options and opinions on different reconstruction types. The consultant mentioned a proceedure involving a product called strattice. It allows the surgeon to create a type of internal bra without having to under go an autologous proceedure. It means she only needs one reconstruction op and does not have to sacrifice another part of her body. Recovery time is less and she gets to leave the hospital with a fully reconstructed breast.
It has been used in the states for a number of years. He said it has been used in Ireland now for the past year with great results. I have dug up a lot of info (see link below) and everything seems really positive.
I was just wondering if anyone in Ireland has heard of it or could recommend the proceedure?
http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/foru ... 27482.html
http://www.breastreconstructionmatters. ... sue-matrix
(Alloderm is the American version. Same company does Strattice)
Thnak you
Comments
I had a mastectomy (right) in the US just over 2 years ago and luckily they caught all the tumors, clear margins and I didn't need chemo or rads.
I really wanted to have a flap type reconsruction - benefiting from a tummy tuck but after visiting 2 PS surgeons I was told there wasn't enough flab on my tummy to create a breast the same size as my left one and I was barely a B cup size. Could've fooled me about what I considered a substabtial belly 
So my option was an implant. As I had delayed reconstruction, they inserted a tissue expander under the muscle. This was filled with a sailne solution until the dr & I were happy with the size. Then I had to wait a few months to let it settle before getting the tissue expander swapped out for a silicon implant. All this was done in the US and Alloderm was used.
I am now back in Ireland and have to have some revisions done. Unfortunately the implant hasn't settled well - there is a double bubble affect - and it will be swapped out on Dec 6th (was scheduled for Nov12 but didn't happen but that's another story).
My surgeries were successful, I had no issues with the Alloderm - the double bubble affect can happen to anyone having a breast implant (be it reconstruction or straightforward augmentation).
The tissue expander option takes a bit longer than a flap, but the down time is less. The fills are done in the drs office and only take a few minutes - you can feel a bit tight/sore in that area afterwards but that's easily eased with OTC pain killers.
You're out of the hospital quicker with less scarring.
Hi Summer,
My sister had her recon done with expanders earlier this year by Maurice Stokes in the Mater. He used some Strattice (or a similar mesh type product) to hold the expander in place and she's had no problems.
I had my expander recon done on Sept 15th and am having problems on my right side. Its probably due to muscle damage by radiotherapy (but my skin is stretching fine). I wondered if Strattice would've helped to keep my expander in place (as its now dropped) but my surgeon doesn't normally use it. I like and trust him so I opted to stick with him (and his stitching is VERY neat so my scars are good). But it might be something for you to consider as I know you've also had RT.
Regards,
Flo.
I'd also be very interested if anyone knows of any Plastic Surgeons that do this procedure in Ireland.
Thanks