Breast implants before DX?

JanetP1507

Anyone already have breast implants before getting cancer? I'm going to make an appointment for a consultation with a plastic surgeon my BS works with next week but I'm really wondering how much, if at all, it will affect my reconstruction. Anyone with any experience to share would be greatly appreciated!

Solen

I had implants before my first diagnosis.  I kept the implants thru lumpectomy and radiation of the left breast.  Had them both replaced a few years later.  Had issues with the radiated breast needing fluid removed after radiation, and the radiated side was higher and tighter.

Just had breast cancer in right side, had a BMX.  Because of implants being in place, I went straight to new smaller implants in one surgery. 

First PS wanted to do a lat flap, but second said I already had a space for the implants so actually made the surgery easier.  I recovered very quickly.

Hope you have a positive experience also!

JanetP1507

Thanks Solen!

I have tested positive for the BRCA1 gene mutation so I"m planning on a double mastectomy when I'm done with chemo. I'm actually hoping for smaller implants this time around too, if possible. It would be great to hear the implants will make for an easier reconstruction, really looking forward to meeting with the PS.