Mastectomy with reconstruction

Hey - I’m 8 months post bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction (in the same op). I got tear drop implants, they should last forever and they look really good. I would say be careful of googling everything, I did this and there is so much mis information out there. Happy to help on more specific questions if you have any xx 

Hi

I had a mastectomy with immediate implant reconstruction 10 weeks ago. Left breast. 

I was in theatre for 3.5 hrs. The staff were all lovely and very re assuring.

Unfortunately I developed a large hematoma and had to go back to theatre the next day to fix but this is a rarity.

My implant does look different from my other breast perter and.more round but I was expecting this. My nipple could not be saved but in a bra or clothes you would never know I had an implant. 

It was sore and uncomfortable for a while but I am now able to walk my pulling dog again!! It just takes rest and time and painkillers! 

Feel free to ask any other questions. 

Wishing you all the very best with your surgery. 

Thank you so much for your reply. I had cancer removed during a breast conserving surgery only 3 weeks ago and found out that there was cancer in tissue margins so I need to go through mastectomy. I didn't google any information on reconstruction, I just read a booklet that I got in hospital. I guess I am a little scared of another surgery as the previous was only 3 weeks ago and my wounds haven't heeled yet. I am glad to hear that there are implants that might last forever. I would be grateful if you could tell me how long was your stay in hospital and how long took the recovery process? I know every person is different, just trying to get opinion of people that went through it. Thank you in advance and all the best !

1. Are they doing the removal and reconstruction in the same app? Definitely push for this. There is such a thing as a flap reconstruction too, which is meant to be the top tier of reconstruction but I couldn’t have that as you need excess tissue from elsewhere in your body and I didn’t have enough. Tbh I wanted implants anyway. Ask all these questions to your plastic surgeon and breast surgeon and ensure you’re getting the right reconstruction for you. In terms of recovery, I was in hospital maybe 3 days, then sent home with lots of pain meds (make sure you keep on top of them) and recovery took probably 6 weeks until I was able to go back to some normality. You’ll need a good post surgery bra. I then had physical for a few months. Best of luck and let me know if you have any other questions x

That’s meant to say physio for a few months x 

Thank you for getting back to me. That is very useful information. I had a breast conserving surgery just 3 weeks ago and unfortunately there were cancerous cells found in margins so I need to go through a mastectomy now. I regret that I didn't choose that in a first place but it too late now. On the top of that I am not working since May because I fractured meniscus and tore ligaments  in knee (don't even have a date for operation yet) so I am not independent as I wish for. Anyway, I will see what options are available for me regarding reconstruction. I am just so scared to go through it again, I didn't recover well after anaesthetics, I guess my memories are still fresh that's why I am so anxious. I got a booklet from a nurse in hospital, and there are mentioned different types of reconstructions, some of them taking even up to 8 hours of operating (with mastectomy) and spending up to a week in hospital to recover. Probably I shouldn't think of that yet before I know my options but I can't help myself not to worry and stay positive.

I am glad you recovered well from your operation, I can't wait to be in your position! All the best!  

The breast surgeon said that there is an option to do it in one go. I need to see what plastic surgeon will say though as my breast is still sore from previous operation. Thank you for your answer, it makes me feel much calmer knowing that here are people that I can talk to and get some reassurance.  

My surgeon has said they can reconstruct me a boob out of my belly fat. Is this not an option for you? 

Hi, I had a mastectomy with an  immediate implant on Tuesday, 48hrs ago. I’m home and recovering well, it’s sore but not painful. under my arm where they removed nodes is very tender.  Op went really well, took approx 4hrs, stayed in overnight. Have a drain for 14 days, not painful, just a little uncomfortable. Taking pain relief and getting lots of rest, but not as bad as I thought it would be. The implant is harder and slightly higher (perkier) than my other, but I was expecting this, it may drop a little, I had a tear drop implant, unable to save nipple, but I’m hoping when I’m wear a proper bra they will look similar. Good luck

It might be, I need to see what the plastic surgeon is going to say.