how does breast implant prior to BC affect reconstruction?

plumster1

Hi-

I had a breast augmentation 10 years prior to my recent BC discovery. I was wondering if anyone had been in the same situation and if it makes the reconstruction easier or more difficult? are there any specific questions that I might need to ask my PS regarding my situation for a favorable outcome?

JJOntario

Hi there...it really depends on so many things. Where you BC is located, if you are having a lumpectomy and rads....

I had my BA only 10 months prior to my dx. A real kick in the face. After my lx and rads (finished 3 wks ago) things are holding up so far. I'm hoping to eventually fix my dent with some fat grafting

plumster1

thank you, JJOntario. I am newly diagnosed and have 3 consults over Friday and Monday to select BS and get a Tx. But, I was curious how a BA might affect either a Lx or Mx

MizMimi

Hi Plumster! I am in the same situation. Had my BA 10.5 years ago. My PS said that having already had a pocket made under my pectoral muscles might mean that I won't need to have the TE's placed. She said it is very likely that she will be able to do direct to implant placement with alloderm tissue supporting the lower aspects of implants.

JJOntario-- My breast surgeon said that had I chosen radiation, my implants would be fine since it was over 5 years since placement. He said studies are showing implant failure/capsular contracture, etc if they are newly placed or has not been 5 years. Did your doctor mention that at all??

plumster1

MizMimi- great info to hear. I will be interested what my PS tells me once I get to that stage. Seems like that would help make recovery somewhat easier! keep me posted on how your goes

VioletKali

I had previous breast implants of 10 years. I believe it made the temporary tissue expanders much more comfortable. I was even able to go bigger!

JJOntario

I am still worried about capsuler contraction bit to be honest when I had my lx there was a big rush to get it done from my BS. Aside that I'm not completely symmetrical (my bad side sits a bit higher) ...it has been "so far so good" . I was also not a candidate for nipple sparing. Research all you can. Sometimes we make the best decision with the information we have at the time

plumster1

Thanks for sharing violetkali! Jjontario I hope everything holds fine for you!