Implants vs skin flap reconstruction

Hello, I had immediate implant reconstruction, I didn't have enough of my own tissue to have anything else as not a big person. I too didn't even fancy it for the reasons you state.

I know it is popular to gave flap reconstruction as its likely I will need implant replacing at some point, as age 55. 

Also worth thinking about what further treatment you may be having as can impact reconstruction e.g radiotherapy 

I had my nipple removed as tumour had spread in there, so skin sparing mastectomy. I am think of a 3D tattoo next year. 

Hope you have an opportunity to discuss with your surgeon what the best options are & if any symmetry surgery will be offer for the other side.

As plenty of questions about procedure pros and cons & what end result will look like

All the best x

I had a diep flap and I am so glad I did it - I did not want implants as apparently these have to be replaced at some point and I just didn’t like the thoughts of it.  The diep does take a while to recover fully from but the result is great. I got a 3d nipple tattoo as well and that looks very realistic.  I would recommend this surgery without hesitation - good luck with your decision xx 

It is called a nipple sparing mastectomy when they leave the nipple.  The skin sparing mastectomy removes the nipple. 
I am sorry you have to go through this surgery and reconstruction too.  Not an easy decision.  I think a lot depends on your age as with implants you will need to change out the implants so if you are young that could be additional surgeries later on.  I live in US and implants are the most common reconstruction.  I don’t know why.  
Here is a good link.  https://www.breastcancer.org/research-news/consider-cx-characteristics-for-nipple-sparing-mx
Barbara

I has a left mastectomy with immediate implant reconstruction on August 10th. It was nipple sparing a the lump was not near the nipple. I didn’t want DIEP because of the size of the operation and recovery although i know for some people they are really pleased with the process. My surgeon said there were more risks - there are always risks aren't there? You just have to decide where you are happy to place your risk level and its different for everyone.

My surgeon also said I would be having the bang up to date implant which would not need replacing. I’m 59 - it was a game changer for me. Although the dressings are still on I can see the new breast looks amazing - I keep showing it to everyone whether they want to see it or not!.

There is an issue with implants however if you need radiotherapy - I had chemo before surgery and had a complete radiological response to the treatment half way through (couldn’t be found on MRI). Only the biopsy will tell however if it was what is called a complete pathological response - as in no cells at all. The surgeon was confident enough to go with the implant given my response but it does need checking with your team. 

Im hoping and praying for good results in the next week or so.

Jan x

Hello.

I had BC in 2014 and had implants in 2016. It capsulated and I had to have it removed, Unfortunately I got stuck in the COVID waiting list, and finally had a completion mastectomy and DIEP flap reconstruction last June 2022. I wish I had gone straight to that option. Yes, it's a big operation, but the NHS are incredible at this, and you will remain au-naturale! I wish I hadn't bothered with the implant - they now know that if you have radiotherapy, your body may not like the implant. You probably aren't having Radiotherapy, but consider the staying 'natural' thing - I wish I had.

Hi, great to hear about your recovery. I'm considering a 3D tattoo next year, can you give me any advice from your experience please? X

Hi Kitty,

I haven't finished my reconstruction yet as when they did the DIEP flap and mastectomy, they found a really small new cancer. How lucky was I that I was having that op????? Anyway, I have had to do chemo and radiotherapy so I have had to put the rest of the reconstruction on hold. I am having the lipofilling in October/November (a year post radio) and then the nipple will be last. The NHS are incredible and Breast Cancer gets so much more investment because they can solve the problems for many women like us! 

Good luck with your journey.

x

Hi there, I would recommend it - the first appointment took about 50 mins and it didn’t hurt at all.  They put numbing cream on first for about 30 mins.  

I was amazed at the results - I didn’t really know what to expect but it looks very realistic.  I have to go back in about 6 weeks time to have a touch up.

I am really chuffed with it - it turned out way better than I was expecting:). Good luck with everything xx

Thank you for the information, hopefully it will help the overall end cosmetic result for me. 

Best wishes Viv x

Hi, you may have already made your decision on this by now...... but I had a mastectomy and an immediate recon by DIEP (skin flap from tummy area) and it is definitely worth all the hassle. There is no doubt that it's a big op and recovery is slow - the abdominal wound is the worst bit. However, the result is absolutely amazing and deserves the title the Rolls-Royce of reconstruction surgery. If you wish, you don't have to have any further operations after the main one but I have had nipple recon, nipple tattooing and some lipo and refill to balance up the shape, all of which have enhanced the amazing result. My new boob is warm to touch and hangs just like the other side..... and the huge abdominal scar is now a thin white line and hardly noticeable.It is a big decision. 

One of the surgeons on the plastics team involved in my operation was a consultant surgeon from Australia and at the time he said I was very fortunate being in the UK as DIEPs were not widely available to women in Australia - not sure if he meant due to the cost of the operation or the lack of expertise.... or both.

Good luck in your decision.Xxxxxxx