Reconstruction with implants

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Hi everyone

After nearly 18 months of waiting I finally have my reconstruction surgery date on 10th March. I couldn't have immediate reconstruction due to post-op treatments.

I've been recommended by surgeon for implant reconstruction due to not having enough tissue fat and for better symmetry overall. I wanted to have my own tissue used ideally as it would feel more natural, but I've gone with the expert's opinion on this.

Has anyone gone through this? How long did it take to recover?

I just remember the awful drains after the mastectomy and am beginning to get nervous not only about the surgery itself, but the recovery and how I'll feel about the outcome once it's all settled down.

I'm still numb in areas around the mastectomy site, under my upper arm and armpit as I had full node clearance. I'm concerned that I'll lose even more sensation now with more surgery in that area; worried about increasing the risks of lymphodema ( as touchwood not had any issues with this) and the lack of sensation in the breast due to the implant as well - oh dear. None of this is for the faint-hearted is it???

Any words of experience would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Sasha

lesleyhelen over 5 years ago

Hi Sash70

Just bumping your post up in the hope that someone can help. (sorry I can't!)

Best wishes,

Sash70 over 5 years ago in reply to lesleyhelen

LesleyhelenThank

you

Roses123 over 5 years ago

Hi Sasha

I had a mastectomy in October with immediate reconstruction. I had drains but presume that was for the mastectomy I would ask if you will need a drain with the reconstruction.

Because I am a single parent I decided against the DIEP reconstruction due to the recovery time and the length of stay in hospital. The mastectomy and reconstruction was very sore for a good couple of weeks but I was back at work within 7 weeks.

I also am still numb under my arm and there is not the same sensation in my reconstructed breast as there is in my other breast. I was told the reconstructed breast could feel cold, but I have not found it cold. It did feel strange at first but anything different does. But I am now happy with the results and I am very comfortable.

Hope this helps

Joanne

FormerMember over 5 years ago in reply to Roses123

Joanne, that was really very interesting to hear and very helpful.

Sash70 over 5 years ago in reply to Roses123

Hi Joanne

Yes that helps to know your experience of recovery and how you feel about the outcome thank you so much.

All the best to you

Sasha

FormerMember over 5 years ago

Hi, I’m just in the midst of deciding what surgery to have. I have just decided on an implant but my consultant advises against as I have thin skin and very little tissue. It’s all so confusing. I’m now thinking I’ll just go flat - be done with the decisions - and avoid looking at me chest. surgery .......TUG scares me too!

It’s awful having to make decisions like this.....took me ages to choose my lounge carpet!!! :)))

Twills56

Sash70 over 5 years ago in reply to FormerMember

Yeah, it's really tough isn't it. I have to say that much of yesterday I thought about just carrying on as I am too. If I was 20 or even 10 years older I wouldn't go through with it, but I'm in my forties still and have a good innings hopefully ahead of me which is why I'm going ahead. My husband knows how hard coping with having to have a mastectomy has been for me; he's just happy that I'm here, so the decision to have reconstruction is totally mine. About feeling whole again!

However all of the above doesn't make any if it easier at all.

Hope you can reach a decision you're happy with and best of luck with whatever you decide to do.

Sasha

FormerMember over 5 years ago in reply to Sash70

Yes my thoughts appear to change every time I have a hospital appointment. :( I am 56 and my husband just says for me to do whatever I want. Have you looked into the TUG surgery?

Twills56 x

Sash70 over 5 years ago in reply to FormerMember

Yeah my husband says the same! Doesn't make it any easier though.

I'm not up to speed with all the abbreviations - is that the tummy tissue one? I've revised the notes from my original consultation and it seems that surgeon may use a combination of a flap from back with implant and some thigh fat if needed to give best outcome symmetry etc.

Sasha

FormerMember over 5 years ago

Hi Sasha

I had a mastectomy and an silicon implant keeping my own breast skin nipple was removed done just over a year ago. I decided to have the silicon implant as I would have had to wait a longer time to have the mastectomy done if i had gone for the DIEP (tissue fat from my stomach). I wanted the breast removed as quickly as possible and didn't want to be left flat. I know some ladies are happy with being flat. Its personal choice.

I though if I had the silicon implant then I could have the DIEP done at a later date. However I am more than happy with the implant (all be it a foreign object) that I am not sure I want to have the extra surgery.

With cloths on you cannot tell that I have had anything done even in a swimsuit. The area around the breast is a little numb a bit like when you have been to the dentist and the injection numbness is ending.

However, I am the extremely happy with what I have had done and at this stage do not feel the need to have anything else done. I would say recovery was about 6 weeks but decided not to do any running or cycling (my main sports) for 3 months to let the scar and tissue heal fully.

I did go to a talk with other ladies who had had reconstruction from their own fat tissue and I can say the results looked amazing and 100% of those ladies were pleased they had it done.

Best of luck with you decision and hope this helps a little bit.

Once you decided don't look back. Enjoy life to the full.

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