Dear Dr. Lee,
Let's talk revision.
Last Thursday, Oct. 25th I had an appointment to
see you. I waited 45 minutes until I was called in and I was met by one of your
assistants. I really wanted you to see my reconstructed right breast.
When I saw you on the 18th, the implant was
starting to look rather good. I was pleased and excited to augment my natural breast
on the left. I know, breasts are sisters, not twins. I have no misconceptions
about the results. My next appointment is on Nov. 29th to discuss my
third surgery in December.
The following day as I was getting dressed I leaned over and
glanced in the mirror. I was shocked and appalled to see my breast hanging like
a sack of beans. Across the top and the outside were a series of deep grooves, or
ripples, maybe 8 or nine. They looked hideous and unreal. They were not as
visible when I stood up straight. This was not what I expected!
You told me that there might be some minor lack of fullness
across the top and perhaps some wrinkling which could be fixed with the
addition of fat liposuctioned from my abdomen.
I was also told not to hesitate to come back if I had any questions,
concerns, or for any reason.
I took a dozen pictures of the deformation and emailed them
to Hailey. She never responded. Things were getting worse. Now you could see
the upper semi circle edge of the
implant below my pec creating a double bubble effect. The implant has slipped
below the inframammary incision. The nipple has fallen and slipped to the
right. It is not on the same plane as the natural one on the left. I am headed
toward ptosis. (see pictures attached).
You and I have talked ad infinitum about lowering
expectations. I am not unreasonable; I know I will never look “normal” again. I
was hoping for the best results possible, which is why I turned to you, the
best plastic surgeon in Orlando. But this is atrocious. I cannot go through the
rest of my life looking like Elsie the cow. This is completely unsatisfactory
and unacceptable.
Your PA reminded repeatedly me that I had breast cancer
(Thank you so much, I almost forgot!) She frequently repeated that I had a
mastectomy and had no breast tissue left. (I know I was there when Dr. Smith
excavated my chest.) She said this complication is common in women without much
body fat. It was not in any of the pictures you showed me of mastectomy
victims, even the thin ones. She said because there is no breast tissue between
the implant and the skin, the folds in the implant show through. (I am confused;
I thought mine was submuscular.)
I was adamant that I wanted to see you. I made the
appointment with you. She was just as insistent that I was NOT going to
see you. She was very professional, but cold and calloused. I remained calm and
treated her with respect.
I asked her about options for revision for this complication;
about the fat liposuction. She frowned and shook her head. She told me that
doesn’t work. The grooves and ripples are too deep and numerous. The fat tends
to migrate and move, eventually being ineffective. I asked about other options. There were none. In
her opinion I had a “fairly” good reconstruction and should go away and be
happy. I was hearing a lot of negativity. I left without a glimmer of hope.
Again, I asked to see you. I made the appointment with you.
I need to know the plan of action and discuss with you my options and what kind
of results I can reasonably expect. I have to be my own advocate. I have no one
else to speak for me. I want to be your partner in this decision. I am not just
case #999, another 59 year old, white woman, with a missing breast. I expect to
be treated with empathy and caring. On Oct. 25th, I was not.
She offered to let me see you in an hour. I had already
missed a half a day of work; time for which I am not paid. I declined and asked for a phone call from you. I
also left you a phone message requesting a call back. I did not hear back.
The purpose of reconstruction is to help the woman recover
her self esteem, her confidence, a sense of self worth and to repair her
disfigured body. Instead, I am despondent and anguished.
I used to be a happy person, extroverted and fun. I used to
look good naked. I enjoyed having my partner look at me. Now, I am depressed
and withdrawn. I am a recluse. I don’t smile or make eye contact with other
people. I feel hideous and ugly. If I were with a man I would be ashamed to
take off my shirt. I am afraid he would laugh at me or be repulsed. I want to
be that happy, whole woman I once was.
I think the implant
needs to be pulled back up, repositioned and secured under the muscle. I
followed your orders to the letter! I wore the Ace bandage for two weeks,
24/7. I wear a soft bra now, no underwire. And I NEVER touch my implant now.
When can I wear a sports bra and work out more strenuously?
With light free weights, 5#? Also, when can I expect the pain to subside? It is
low grade but it is constant.
If you prefer to not treat me, please give me three names of
the second best plastic surgeons in Orlando. I need to find one on my insurance.
When you are over scheduled, please have your staff give me
a courtesy call and reschedule. I am reasonable, I understand it gets busy. I
would have rather rescheduled.
Please call me at 425-761-2319.
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