Delayed LD flap breast reconstruction with implant

NicW 20 days ago

2 replies
283 subscribers
65 views

Hi,

I had a bilateral mastectomy without reconstruction a year ago, which was followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy (which is why I couldn't have an immediate reconstruction).

I'm now at the point where I've been asked about whether I want to consider reconstruction. The recommended route for me is a LD flap breast reconstruction with implant, and my consultant has talked through the process, recovery times, etc with me.

It's a lot to take in and I've surprised myself that it's not a definite yes, which is where the pre-treatment 'me' most definitely was, so I'm wrestling with my decision.

Maybe it's that it's too soon for my head to take it all in or to put myself through a series of further operations. Or have I actually accepted my new body shape more than I thought I ever would (I did wear my prosthetics daily until radiotherapy, when I stopped due to painful burns. Since then, I wear them very little). I'm also worried that I'll look down after a long period without breasts and feel detached from new ones (or even dislike the sensation of having them again?).

I was hoping someone who's been through this type of delayed reconstruction could give me some honest feedback on how they found it...the process, healing, how you felt about having breast shapes again, etc.

I'm hoping it'll help. Apologies for the brain dump ramble!

Thanks in advance! x

TheBreastIsYetToCome 19 days ago

Hey hun. I haven’t personally been through this exact type of reconstruction, so I can’t say I know exactly how you’re feeling. What I would say though is a completely personal decision, and there is absolutely no rush. You’re allowed to take your time, and change your mind more than once if you need to!

One thing I can share from my own experience with implants is that after a while they feel completely normal! You forget they’re there. They don’t feel “foreign” forever like your head might imagine right now.

I had radiotherapy after my original implants and my skin was really sore and sensitive for quite a long time. One of my implants became harder, smaller and higher. So I honestly think if you are going to have implants, you’re doing it the right way round by waiting. I’d also say to make sure your skin is fully healed and settled before any further surgery!

And if you do decide to go ahead, make sure you moisturise loads in the lead-up and afterwards. I used natural ingredients -Tropic Tamanu Balm is a good one and it really helped my skin recovery after radiotherapy. I’d also really recommend having a super comfortable, smooth, soft bra ready for afterwards. If you do opt for surgery, I can honestly say the H.E.R Bodywear post-surgery bras were a game changer for me!! wayyyy better than loads of the others I tried. They’re incredibly soft and kind on sensitive, post-radio skin.

Whatever you decide, there is no right or wrong choice. Take your time and Trust yourself!!. You’ve already been through so much. Sending lots of love x

NicW 19 days ago in reply to TheBreastIsYetToCome

Thank you so much for your reply. You are right...I shouldn't rush into making a decision if I'm not ready; I'm seeing my surgical consultant soon for a 6 month check, so flapping as I know it'll come up.

Thanks for all your advice...it's really good to hear that your implants do feel part of you; sorry to hear yours were affected by the radiotherapy x

More from this forum

Delayed LD flap breast reconstruction with implant