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Reconstruction options with a baby?

Page last modified on: September 17, 2008
Question from Chris: Is it good to have an implant or to have reconstruction when you have a baby?
Answer —Kutluk Oktay, M.D.: In terms of the problems occurring during pregnancy, implants are better, especially if the reconstruction is done using tummy muscles, or TRAM-flap. That kind of reconstruction removes muscles that will contain the growing uterus, so in some cases, hernias and sometimes organ compression may occur, though this is extremely rare. Also, after reconstruction with tummy muscles, if the woman lactates, there may be asymmetry between breasts as the reconstructed breast will not go through similar changes. Obviously, with implants they can consider bilateral implants, so that may be perhaps more fixable. That's one of the things that needs to be considered.

On Wednesday, September 10, 2008, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Fertility and Pregnancy. Kutluk Oktay, M.D. and Leslie Schover, Ph.D. answered your questions about breast cancer treatments that can affect your fertility, options for preserving your fertility, being treated for breast cancer while pregnant, and more.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Kutluk Oktay, M.D.Kutluk Oktay, M.D. is a professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology and the director of the Division of Reproductive Medicine & Infertility at New York Medical College.

Leslie R. Schover, Ph.D.Leslie R. Schover, Ph.D. is a renowned psychologist with a special interest in helping people resolve or manage their sexual problems, especially those problems connected with a chronic illness such as cancer.

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