I wanted to get a small implant so I wouldn't have to wear a bra

suzopedia

I will schedule a mastectomy and am trying to decide about reconstruction. I am small on the left side from previous lumpectomies. With new dx on the right side I wanted to get a MX with a small implant. I have nerve damage mid back from previous vertebral compression fractures. Wearing a bra is hard. I was hoping I could often get by with out a bra. As I was reading through the topics on this forum I saw people saying the plastic surgeon had them wearing bras with wires so their implants would not move around. What?

I know next to nothing about reconstruction. I want two small lumps on my chest. I'm looking for the method that will cause me the least amount of back pain. Being lopsided is not appealing. If I get the MX and don't do reconstruction, I'll have to wear a bra/prothesis sometimes. I wear bras now. I buy them at least a size too big to fit around my ribcage. I could keep wearing them if I have to. I was hoping for a silver lining here.

MinusTwo

suze - every plastic surgeon has different requirements/recommendations. Same say wires; some say NEVER wires; some say no bras; some way always bras. The only way to get a comprehensive answer for your particular case is to talk to a PS about what he might recommend. If you don't click or don't like the answers you get, make an appointment with another one for a second opinion. And maybe even a third. It's your body and you have a right to have all your questions answered. Your premise about a single MX with a small implant should work - again depending on the docs assessment of your particular body.

If you think you might want to go flat, there are several threads on BCO discussing that. But those people are choosing flat and likely not interested in a prosthesis at any time.

Beesie

Good advice from MinusTwo. Since each PS has their own way of doing things, you really need to work with your own PS to get the answers. I will say that I think it's more common for PS's to say "no" to underwire rather than insist on it. What's more common, I think, is a requirement to wear, at least for a short time, a compression bra. But that's not a hard and fast rule either. Some women never wear a bra after reconstruction; others always wear a bra. My preference is a low impact seamless sports bra - super comfortable.

In terms of reconstruction, since you want to go small, ask about direct-to-implant. That could be a good option for you.

bcincolorado

I only did MX on one side (left) and am now almost 60. I actually rarely wear a bra (only with certain sweaters) since I had skin sparing/nipple sparing. Otherwise I usually wear clothes it does not matter do not wear one because it is a pain and hurts me too no mater what after a few hours

Best wishes for speedy recovery!

exbrnxgrl

As everyone has commented, there are different recommendations made by plastic surgeons. Ultimately, when you're well healed you just end up wearing or not wearing what makes you comfortable. It's been 9 years for me and i have long forgotten about what my ps said 🤷🏻. I have bilateral implants equivalent to a large B or small C cup and I can comfortably go without a bra. I do wear one to work (teaching students over Zoom from my empty classroom) but it is a very soft stretchy, wire free bra. Have you ever had a professional bra fitting? After my surgery and recon had healed, I went to a fitter who specialized in post mastectomy bras even for those with reconstruction. It really helped me find well fitting, comfortable bras. This could address your back problems too, perhaps.

suzopedia

Thanks for all the suggestions and comments.

MinusTwo thanks for the confirmation that this should be possible. Might take some work, tho. I think my surgeon really likes working with this one PS. But as you say, it's my call. Beesie, I've not heard about direct to implant. I'll ask. I don't get to see the plastic surgeon until the 14th. I wore a sports bra after my two lumpectomies. It's better than a regular bra. So bcincolorado, I'll be 71 at the end of the month and I agree it's time to stop doing things I don't like, like wearing bras. And exbrnxgrl, what a wonderful idea to get a fitting. Every thing like that is closed around here right now, but it has to open someday.

I appreciate the advice.

susan

exbrnxgrl

Susan,

I have one step implants and am a rare one and done person. I was lucky and had a ps with a lot of experience in the procedure. He was also very honest and said he would bring te’s into the OR in case he didn’t think the one steps would yield an aesthetically pleasing result

Beesie

Susan, here is some info about direct-to-implant. You need to meet the criteria, but if you do it is the least complicated reconstruction option available. It used to very rarely be done but is more common these days. You do want to make sure that it is something that your PS is used to doing, however. It's never good to have a PS do a procedure that they are not very familiar with.

Direct-to-Implant Breast Reconstruction Provides Good Results in Older Women

Direct-to-implant breast reconstruction

SummerAngel

I have rather large implants, giving me a D cup, and the only bras I ever wear are Coobie, just a simple cloth bra that's super comfortable. I've had no problem with my implants sagging.

suzopedia

I found a company handful.com and I'm looking at their bras and inserts. Looks very promising. Iv'e settled on getting a mastectomy but reconstruction is still a question.

suzopedia

I'm sorry if I've been inconsiderate and left people hanging. that was not my intention.