4 years after bilateral mastectomy/should I get reconstruction?

1awesomemum

I am having a really hard time deciding whether I should get reconstruction or not. I have been boobless for four years now and I am quite comfortable with a flat chest. I chose to skip it initially because I required heavy radiation after my bilateral mastectomy and I didn't want any extra surgeries. I now find myself longing for a little something on top. I am almost 39 years old and have managed to meet a man and marry him all while breastless. He says that I don't need boobs and we have great love life without them but I know he would like them. I am extremely athletic and work out 5 to 6 times a week. If I am not at the gym I run 5 to 7 miles. I am very worried that implants will hinder my ability to exercise the way I like to. Has anyone out there chosen to go small for the sake of just having something on top?

Erica3681

How wonderful that you met and married your husband all since your surgery. As far as reconstruction, I'm one who chose not to have it (nine years ago, when I was 57). I'm very happy with my choice, but I know being breast-free is not for everyone. But I wanted to mention one thing since you said you required heavy radiation -- you may already know this, but implants and radiated skin don't tend to mix well, even after the passage of time. In some cases it works out, but radiation increases the risk of infection, rejection of the implant, and capsular contracture.

I did know a woman on this site who, like you, had radiation and after living flat for a while decided she wanted to try recon. She found a surgeon who was willing to go very small with her and, perhaps because that didn't require stretching the skin and muscle too much, she did well and is very happy with the result.

Make sure to find a good plastic surgeon who will give you an honest assessment of your options. If you're willing to have flap surgery, perhaps you could go that route.

Best of luck.

farmerlucy

Awesomemum - I opted to stay on the flatter side - I have a wide ribcage (39") - I only did fills up to the amount of tissue that was originally removed - around 350 ccs. My PS was able to put in 421 cc implants - mid profile. I look very much like I did originally. Thanks to this site I went into the recon process with my eyes wide open. I knew that the implants would be placed behind my pecs and that I would be conscious of that. Initially I had a lot of pain, but by the time I had the exchange that had subsided. I still feel my pecs flex and it is sometimes a bit irritating if I think about it. Conversely I look like the original me when I look in the mirror, 3-D nipple tats and all. Check out two threads - Breast Implant Sizing 101 by whippetmom, and the Athletes Beware thread by gran. I agree with Erica that exploring the flap option with a qualified plastic surgeon would be helpful. Congrats on your marriage! That is wonderful!