TUG flap or Implant? The worst possible choice

[Greencloud]

Having recently been diagnosed with breast cancer, my sister is having to make the terrible choice between a TUG flap or an implant.

She’s only having one breast removed/replaced and is really struggling to find images that match her body shape to show the results.

She’s a tiny size 8 with small breasts, and all the post surgery pics show either larger breast results or results after BOTH breasts have been done/reduction on other side.

Even her surgeon could not show her any pics of how it will look and it’s a terrible choice to make with no info.

AIBU to ask for your help with sites showing post surgery TUG flap on just the one side or to ask for your personal opinion if you’ve had it done?

(Yes, I know I’m almost certainly being unreasonable to ask the Vipers, but she has to choose ASAP and just needs some guidance and is in a real panic).

And I do have full permission to post this and she’s been sent the link.

Sorry to hear about your sister's news. I've not had either procedures you mentioned, but I did have DIEP surgery last November. Was a gruelling 10 hour operation but I'm very happy with the results now.

I had an implant for 8 years but it leaked so had it taken out last year so am flat on one side.

In retrospect I wish I'd asked for both off and gone fully flat. No more bras, no spine twisting, no shoulder pain. And now I have to go private to have it removed.

I pushed for both off and wear prostheses in my bra. If I could go back I wouldn't change anything.

Thank you for the replies. They’ve said they won’t do both, as it’s not genetic and she’d have to have it done over 2 operations, with a gap in between and therapy to make sure it was the right decision

Is it a Diep flap? I’ve seen a couple done. It’s incredible!

@WhatisanODP no, it I agree they often look great. it’s a TUG flap. They take it from the top of the thigh. The full name is Transverse Upper Gracilis and they will use a part of the gracilis muscle as well as the skin.

I find it crazy that for such an important operation for a woman to have, there’s no big database of images across breast sizes and types of breast reconstruction.

If she decides not to go for reconstruction she could look at Flat Friends UK. Will she have to have radiotherapy as this can affect an implant ? Has she got a good breast care nurse she can discuss options with?

Often women who do not have reconstruction have to wait til after treatment to have the other breast removed for symmetry. It can be a fight to get done but it is possible depending on your surgeon's attitude.

www.sciencephoto.com/media/905428/view/breast-reconstruction-surgery

@marmiteloversunite she’s hopefully to avoid chemo/radio as the removal should get rid of enough to avoid it. But she won’t know for sure until she’s had the lymph’s tested and the they’ve opened the breast.
They’re pushing for a decision on the reconstruction already, but it’s all very overwhelming.

@Hankunamatata thank you!! That’s just perfect. What a great result! And they described it underneath. Thank you

It's very hard to make a decision when you are in shock. She might find the young breast cancer network on Facebook helpful.

I went down the no reconstruction route and I am now living flat. Unfortunately many surgeons don't believe in no reconstruction so don't give that option. Happy to chat if you want to message me.

It's a tough decision. I had breast cancer and have a rare gene mutation. I had a double mastectomy and chose not to have reconstruction.

There is the breast cancer survivors group for people under 40. They are helpful and welcoming.

I had two years to decide if I wanted reconstruction.

I have had both, though I had a diep flap where the tissue is taken from the stomach. I would absolutely recommend the flap, even though it is a longer operation. The implant never felt right - a bit like a tennis ball glued to my chest - and it slowly went hard over five years. Apparently this is not uncommon and is called capsular contracture. So I had it removed and had the flap done 2 years ago and it is amazing. It feels much more natural and part of me and I will never have to go back again to have anything else done (unlike implants which need replacing eventually). If I had my time again, I would definitely go for the flap first time round. Hope this helps your sister.

This is an interesting read

www.youngsurvival.org/learn/living-with-breast-cancer/understanding-treatment/breast-reconstruction

For any of you ladies living without reconstruction Flat Friends UK have private groups which are really supportive. You can also join for a month to find out about living flat if you are not sure what to do.

It really is such a big decision which is thrust upon us at the worst time.

Thank you for all your replies, I’ve sent her the thread and she is reading them all. This is helping.

@marmiteloversunite I’ll send her the info, but I think she’s set on a reconstruction.

Thanks @thePutaMadre that’s really helpful. The issue you’ve had are her major concerns with the implant.

She can’t have the diep flap as she bit got enough tissue/skin. So the TUG is her only flap option, but it’s great to hear from someone whose had the implant and flap.

Very glad to be of help. When I was first diagnosed 6 years ago, I too, was too slim to have the Diep flap. 5 years of tamoxifen and menopause later, there was plenty of fat to use! :)
Anyway, please tell your sister she can dm me if she wishes.

Hi I am a nurse who used to work in breast reconstruction. Has she been given access to a clinical nurse specialist? Some run breast group classes and have lots of information.

Thanks @thePutaMadre and @jellybean88.

She’s going to look and probably create an account so she can reply.

I am so grateful for you taking the time to reply