Lost implant two years after surgery

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Cat123
Cat123 Member Posts: 296
edited September 2014 in Breast Reconstruction

Hi all,

I lost my implant last June which was approximately two years after my reconstructive surgery.  My surgeon told me this is a very rare occurrence.  It has taken 14 months for the hole to close because of my radiated skin.  Has this happened to anyone?  What type of reconstruction surgery did you have after you lost your implant?  Is it possible to get another implant?  Are you happy with the new recon.  Any help is much appreciated.  Thanks!

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  • Andrea623
    Andrea623 Member Posts: 959
    edited September 2014

    Hi Cat123, I'm sorry you lost your implant after two years. That has to be difficult. I know most plastic surgeons won't attempt another implant after the body rejects it because of radiation. Are you set on an implant? Have you explored flap reconstruction? I had radiation, and do have an implant that has been replaced three times, due to capsular contracture and discomfort. My last surgery was a week ago. My PS is very concerned with how thin my skin is now. Honestly, I wish I had just gone with a lat flap and been done with it. 

    At this time, I suggest consulting a plastic surgeon who is experienced in multiple types of reconstruction. Get a second or third opinion, if necessary, and trust your instincts. I wish you nothing but the best! Good luck!

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited September 2014

    I lost my left implant in May after attempting to change out my allograft slings, which were failing.  My exchange was in Feb of 2012, so more than two years had elapsed.  I have an area of skin that became necrotic after the BMX, did not heal, eventually lost the TE and had to replace it after chemo, but the new TE surgery, very slow expansion, and exchange were uneventful.  This same area became problematic again with the swap of allograft, repaired it twice and tried a smaller implant to lessen the skin tension, but ultimately had to remove the implant to let the skin heal.  My PS is now thinking that we will fat graft several times prior to attempting to put back the TE again.  This is something that they are now doing with previously radiated skin - it seems to help damaged skin.  Here is a link, and maybe this is a possibility for you.

    http://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/past-press-releases/2012-archives/technique-provides-new-option-for-breast-reconstruction-after-radiation-therapy.html

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  • Lily55
    Lily55 Member Posts: 3,534
    edited September 2014

    My skin was awful and had very poor elasticity and quality post radiotherapy, fat transfers have really helped it a lot and helped deeper tissue healing also..........even in areas where rads got around my back to shoulder blade.......

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  • Cat123
    Cat123 Member Posts: 296
    edited September 2014

    Thank you so much Andrea!

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  • Cat123
    Cat123 Member Posts: 296
    edited September 2014

    Thanks so much.  This is very helful!

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  • Cat123
    Cat123 Member Posts: 296
    edited September 2014

    That is great to know that the fat transfer helped.

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  • Sacnaillady
    Sacnaillady Member Posts: 59
    edited September 2014

    I lost my implant after 13 years due to infection. I have been wearing a prothesis for a year now and I'm having reconstruction on the 13th of Oct. I'm having a complete mastectomy now and sGAP flap. I saw 3 PS and non of them would recommend trying an implant again. Infections tend to have a memory. I think it is a rather comon occurrence with people who have had radiation, lack of blood flow they say is the reason. 

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  • toni67
    toni67 Member Posts: 62
    edited September 2014

    My implant had to be removed because capsular contracture. Had surgery on August 8 and developed seroma. Now I need to undergo an ultrasound guide aspiration before they can do reconstruction. It seems like it's never ending.

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