Immediate implant reconstruction after mastectomy. Still sore.

Hi, I had immediate reconstruction 8 months ago and still uncomfortable but having had a review last week with the surgeon I think it is mainly skin related as I had radiotherapy after the reconstruction that damaged my skin. Also still discomfort from lymph node removal. Feels like it all blends into one!

I think that at 9 weeks it's still early days and it will take a while to settle & find final position. You should be reviewed again when they will look at the cosmetic side of things like the rippling. I have been offered fat grafting.

The scar can take time to heal too. 

Hopefully you will start to feel less sore soon. 

Take care, best wishes x

Thank you for this. Very true about lymph node removal too. 

It worries me that I will only be seen yearly to check if the cancer is back but have been told no reviews re the plastic surgeon and look/feel of implant.

Just not sure what is normal and what is not.

• Thanks again. 

Hi Fug. I hope you're doing better than when you posted. I was wondering if I could ask if you have noticed any improvement? I had a masectomy and immediate skin saving implant reconstruction 3 weeks ago. While I wouldn't say I am in pain, I am very uncomfortable. I had to get out of bed last night and try to sleep on the sofa, I find it difficult to get myself into a comfortable position. I can feel the implant all the time, whenever I move, I'm not sure if this is normal or not and I'm starting to worry there's something wrong. It feels foreign, heavy and tender to touch on the outside (armpit side) above where I had the drain in. 

Hi Sunflame.

Yes I am feeling a good bit better now thanks. It took me about 12 weeks to feel comfortable. It feels ok and I am getting used to the feeling of having an implant though if I try and do too much it can be sore. 

It still feels like a bruise if I push the skin at the armpit side or at the top where it meets my breastbone but doesnt ache all the time like it used to.

Hopefully you will feel more comfortable with time. At three weeks I couldnt get comfortable and slept upright.

Good luck x

Thank you so much for your reply. I wish you the best with everything