Mastectomy without implant.

amethyst18

I had a unilateral mastectomy last August with expander. I have since decided I don't want an implant. The expander is coming out in February. Wondering about the experiences of women who did not have an implant.

Moderators

Hi Amethyst-

You've definitely posted in the right place for support in going flat! It's a very personal decision, but there are lots of resources in this forum, and lots of member who can offer insight and support. This is a good place to start: https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/82/topics....

Please let us know if we can be of any assistance!

The Mods

Drained6513

Hi Amethyst18, I had an immediate skin sparing left breast mastectomy with an expander put in. I developed an infection in the expander pretty much immediately. So it was taken out within a month after it was put in, as they could not get rid of the infection. That was in November 2016. I felt the need to get the ball rolling for reconstruction again and saw another plastic surgeon last year, 6 months later from when the expander was taken out. I am on the waiting list. It is now 2018, as we all know, and I have adjusted to no breast being there. I bought a silicone prosthetic and a few mastectomy bras. I am healthy and can go to the gym and get around like nothing ever happened to me. Personally I don't really care if I have nothing there. The prosthetic looks natural, no one would know. I have the silicone prosthetic and another one made of something different to wear in a pool or hot yoga. It fits right into the pocket of the mastectomy bra, and even dressing in the gym you can't tell it's not real. Would I like to have my old breast back as if nothing happened... yes. But since I can't do that... I really don't know the difference, until I get in the shower etc. I am 56 years old though and it is not so crucial for me to be worried about dating etc. My kids are grown and again I am just happy to be healthy again. I am not in any rush to get this reconstruction done really and will take my time to do it, if I ever do it. It has to benefit me, not hinder. Do what is right for you. Hope this helps a bit.

rianne2580

Hi Amethyst,

I had a unilateral mx in 2011. My appointment with the plastic surgeon went fairly quickly. When he explained the procedure and I saw the video, I said, "Thank you for your time" and walked out. I feel great, no pain. I can work out, swim, grocery shop with heavy items, no issues. I do wear a prosthesis and it looks natural. It stays in place because my other breast sort of holds it there. My husband was 100% on board with no recon. I can sleep comfortably on that side. I've read about so many issues with recon and quite frankly, it scares me to have an alien thing in my body, just for appearances. I know I made the right decision and never look back and second guess. Before I went in for mx I went to a friends house who had a double mx with recon. She was on pain killers for months. She showed me her bare chest and it was sort of eerie. So fake looking. She could not stretch comfortably or lift heavier things. Even certain movements were an issue. Sleeping was hard for her. So, it was a big "NO GO" for me.