Immediate implant or prostheses?

I had a mastectomy in October.  I found it hard to decide regarding reconstruction, I liked the idea of a DIEP and may have chosen that but as a single parent and only my wage I felt that was not the best option for me due to the recovery time and nobody to help me at home.  I decided to have an implant and had a temporary expandable implant .  This was advised by consultant.  I will have a reduction in my other breast this year and they  will replace the temporary implant with a silicone implant.  As I have large breasts the reconstruction at the moment is a lot smaller so I have a partial prostheses.  This is really comfortable, feels like my other breast to touch, does not move about when doing Yoga, is not hot or sweaty.  I am really happy with it.  I look normal with my clothes on.  The implant I would not say it  feels part of me, but it is not cold and I am not uncomfortable with it.  Overall I was happy with my choice.  But everybody is different good luck whatever you decide.

Thank you Roses123 that is helpful to find out more about the prostheses. All the best for your future surgery. 

Hi

I have a prothesis , yes I am always aware that it is not part of my body, but I do yoga and it does not move at all. I have a prothesis for swimming as well, its excellent to be honest. I have not found that the prothesis makes you sweat, it is really comfortable and everyone that knows I have had a mastectomy often say you cannot tell the difference . Its a personal choice and you have to do what you feel comfortable with. Good luck and hope you make the right decision.

Rita

Hi ,

I know what it feels like to have a dilemma. I have surgery on Wednesday and needed to make a decision. In my case the recommended therapeutic mammoplasty  or a mastectomy if I really wanted one. People say it’s nice you have a choice but I found it hard to decide. I have gone for the mammoplasty !

I can only speak from my discussion with my surgeon but when I suggested a mastectomy with an immediate implant she more or less dismissed it - giving the reason of me having a course of radiotherapy. She said this is not recommended as the radiotherapy can damage the silicon and cause problems to tissues and then would lead to another op after radio to replace implant. As I said that is what my surgeon said but have read on forum that other ladies do have it done - must depend on the surgeon. If you check out surgery chat you will see some posts. 
So before you firmly make up your mind you better check with your surgeon or breast care nurse. You may not have a choice in the end !!

Jojodot X

Hi 

I had a single implant done a year ago. I am 56 so much older than you. The reason I chose the implant was I didn't want to be flat and as I couldn't have immediate reconstruction it was the next best thing. 

With cloths on you cannot tell the difference even in a bra/bikini this is due to my breast skin being kept minus the nipple. 

Without cloths yes I look different, but this does not bother me. The implanted breast is hard to touch and when i remove my bra the breast stays in the same place, where as my own breast drops. 

I do running, cycling and weights - I wear a very good sports bra and have no pain from these sports. 

The recovery was about 3 months before I was back running etc.

I still thinking if I should have a DIEP reconstruction which is on offer to me but not have not decided so far.

It did bother me that it is a foreign body but that's now way back in my thoughts. It will need replacing they say in about 10 years but that I suspect could change over the years.

I did not have to have any radiotherapy or chemo so cannot tell you if the implant would have been effected. 

Just wanted to let you know how it is for me but you are so much younger and with a new baby to deal with. 

Wishing you all the best and take care. 

Please do not hesitate  to ask any other questions. 

El

Hi,

Your choice should be for you, yes, take advice but make your decision specially for you, your gut feelings. it’s tough, bless you but the decision has to be yours alone. 
I also had an implant, even at age 74 now I knew I didn’t want to feel flat on one side after mastectomy. It was April 2018, it’s still higher than the other and a big smaller, but feels a normal part of me now, and in a bra it looks absolutely fine. I’ve even had a plastic surgery opinion, he feels I’m at ‘90%’ and even with several surgeries including reducing the other side, he’d only get me to about 96%, so I’m happy with how I am.

good wishes for your decision 

hugs xxx

Thank you. I really appreciate you sharing that.x

Thank you, that is good to knowx

I too am in a dilemma about what reconstruction to have...if any. Your post is like I’ve written it myself!  I’m fearful of all suggestions at the moment. I WAS totally against having implants and learnt about the TUG procedure. That does scare me too. I then found out today I could keep my nipple and have an implant - but have been constantly going over the fears associated with implants. I am finding out soon if I’ll need radiotherapy - and then will have to make a decision. Such a minefield of info. I’m 56 and enjoy exercise. Would be really interested what decision you made. 

Hi,

Everybody will have a different way of thinking about this. I am 5 weeks post single mastectomy. I decided beforehand that I didn’t want implants  - I didn’t want something foreign in my body. After the mastectomy I quickly decided that I couldn’t go through the DIEP flap. Hats off to those that do. So I am currently using a prosthesis. It’s ok. Not uncomfortable to wear and nobody would be able to tell but what I think I am going to end up doing is asking for the other breast to be removed and just move forwards as a flat chested woman. I don’t like the lopsided look (I have quite a large breast) but I actually don’t mind the flat side. I feel that my lovely , matching natural breasts have gone. Nothing is going to look that great In comparison so I might as well save myself the trouble and disappointment.

best wishes with whatever you decide

M