I had immediate implant after my mx. According to my surgeon there is some capsulation from RT, but I can't say I noticed it. Apart from when I really reach for something, I rarely notice that it's an implant at all.
Bonus - I woke up in one piece!! And symmetry - I have a thing about that.
Drawbacks - possible capsulation or other damage from RT. Something my surgeon wasn't particularly worried about, and he was right.
Longevity - They say 10 years. But there are people on here who have had them much longer than that without any issues.
Other advantages - MUCH shorter surgery and recovery time than other own tissue reconstructions. And no issues getting back to my sport (archery), and was back at work 13 days after surgery.
Hi, I too had immediate permanent implant as it was pretty certain I wouldn’t need radiotherapy.
It’s ok but quite a lot perkier than the other side since I’m older (72) but in a bra nobody realises. I simply wanted to wake, look down and still see two boobs.
It’s early days for me still, it’s settling down (only 6 weeks post surgery) but looking ok.
Im had a mx 17 years ago with an implant. I have always been very happy with it. Not a replica of the other side - but pretty good and my breasts had never been symmetrical.
No one has ever noticed it as different. Indeed a friend the other day who hadn't known I had a mx and had seen me in changing rooms was really surprised that it was not real. Looks fine in a bra or bikini top (dont wear those these days though !!!)
One downside is that it can feel colder than my other side - but as mine is ancient more recent implants may not do that.
I have now got BC in the other side and the surgeon is going to replace my implant when she does my reconstruction. At 17 years it is starting to look slightly misshapen and has hardened (not in a very bad way). This time Im going for two DIEP reconstructions. At 55 I dont want to go through this type of operation for a third time, so Ive chosen to have a bigger operation.
I had an immediate implant 6 weeks ago, it does look good but not quite the right size - think I’m a cup size smaller but am sure I can have that changed in the future.
I bought some bra pads from Amazon and use them in my bra just to even things up. I think it’s just me that notices though but that extra little bit of padding makes me feel better.
Recovery wise, didn’t take too long - I found the worst part was the drain, had mine in for 2 weeks. You just need to be careful for 6 weeks or so and take it easy.
I had a double mastectomy with implants and it took some months before I wasn't aware of them every second of every day They felt like two flat pebbles duct taped to my chest for a good while, then suddenly I realised that I hadn't thought about them for a while!
Mine were done 6.5 years ago, there is a little capsulation but nothing major. Mine are permanent expanders.
My aunt had a saline implant aged 49,she's now 74 and still has the same one! She's only an A cup and her natural boob has almost disappeared but the implant is fine!
I had a right mx with immediate reconstruction 10 weeks ago. I have to say that I’m so glad I choose that option as waking up and seeing a cleavage has helped me come to terms with the diagnosis.
The worst part: I had a lot of swelling/bruising and had to go back into theatre to have a wash out a week later and a drain for 3 weeks - I hated the drain! But this bit soon passes and it’s worth it.
The best part: I’m really impressed with what the surgeons can do. I have one long scar underneath my boob and I would have to go looking for it to see it. Knaked, there is a difference but it’s not too bad. I was worried about putting a normal swimsuit on (and got up very early one morning to test my fears out), but I think you would have to be an implant mastermind to work out the right boob is not “real” when wearing a costume, for now anyway. And, in normal clothing I don’t think anyone can tell. I don’t have any sensation in the nipple area but it’s not been a big deal.
I’m most likely going to have some more surgery and RT soon, so I don’t know how this is going to affect it, but overall I would recommend having an implant. It’s really boosted my confidence and now I’m back in the gym giving it hell!
Hoping everything goes well and fingers crossed for you.
How is your implant now, if you don't mind me asking? II am currently trying to choose between implant and DIEP and trying to find out as much as I can from others' experiences. Are you generally happy with your implant, or have there been issues further down the line? I feel like the DIEP might ultimately give a nicer and and more natural effect, but I'm not sure I want to put my body through all that trauma and the long recovery bothers me as I do yoga every day and it keeps me sane.
