trying to decide between no recon and smooth implants

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MAT33
MAT33 Member Posts: 5
edited November 2018 in Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy

Help -- I'm so conflicted about implants -- and have been pulled to do the simpler, less complicated no recon. I believe I will heal faster and get used to my new look. This is a BMX and prophylactic - so no cancer dx (genetic test+ and strong family hx) --

PS and BS believe I have the potential for a great outcome with implants

I'm concerned about the sensation of feeling something foreign in my body, and the potential health risks --

anyone else struggle with this choice??


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  • SimoneRC
    SimoneRC Member Posts: 419
    edited October 2018

    For me, it was not a struggle. The implants can always be removed in the future if desired. I don’t really notice them and prefer the way I look and feelwith the implants vs. being flat post mastectomy. It is a totally personal decision though. Follow your heart!

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  • NotVeryBrave
    NotVeryBrave Member Posts: 1,287
    edited October 2018

    I think it would be a really hard adjustment as a prophylactic procedure to have no recon. However - it works both ways. If you think that you'll do better without recon, you could do that and if not happy then pursue recon later. Or try implants and have them removed if unhappy.

    Most people try to minimize surgeries so both of those possibilities are probably not what you really want. I will say that the loss of sensation is weird to begin with - not sure how much difference having implants makes.

    In my case - I was able to have the implants placed at the time of surgery with incisions that were below the breasts. I have not had any further surgeries. I have textured, shaped implants. I had an infection on the cancer side 5 weeks after the operation that required hospitalization. I've also had the other implant rotate, but it isn't really noticeable and I haven't opted to fix it.

    I'm sorry that you have to make this big decision but applaud your effort to protect yourself.

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  • ReggieH
    ReggieH Member Posts: 21
    edited October 2018

    I couldn’t agree more: there’s not one right decision, only what will be best for each of us. I also had a BMX in May but opted not to get reconstruction — more surgery time, longer healing, 30% risk of complications. Plus you have to have implants replaced after 10 years so then more surgery.

    But that’s just me. I’m 69 and not in a relationship. Much different set of priorities than when you’re younger.

    Do you know that you can have reconstruction several months or even years after your mastectomy ? You don’t have to do it in the same surgery. So you’ve got the option to wait a while to see how you feel about flat vs reconstruction.

    Either way, the only right answer is what’s right for YOU.

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  • muska
    muska Member Posts: 1,195
    edited October 2018

    Correction to the above post: the implants do NOT have to be replaced after 10 years. The warranty expires at 10 years (while on warranty they are replaced free of charge) but that is not the same as saying one must replace them after 10 years. Modern implants could last 20-30 years without issues.

    Best

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  • MBPooch
    MBPooch Member Posts: 229
    edited October 2018

    Last year I had a BMX with direct to implant, one surgery and for me it was a very easy recovery. I had implants previously and do some yoga so not sure if that aided in my recovery. For me it was motivating to wake up from surgery with breasts that were pretty similar to what I had. 3 weeks after surgery I hosted Xmas Eve and went up North on vacation for NYE. I've continued to be issue free and a lot of days forget what I've been through. If direct to implant is an option for you it might be easier to do that all in one surgery then remove later if you were unhappy. I've had zero complications and no regrets but again it's such a personal decision.

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  • Mallory107
    Mallory107 Member Posts: 223
    edited November 2018

    I urge you to research BII-Breast Implant Illness before you make your decision. I am here for the first time in 5 years to try to find stories of explant after mastectomy. I have been sick with autoimmune and fibromyalgia since implants. It has finally got to the point where the widespread chronic pain is unbearable and I am ready to have them out. I will also say that they have completely changed my posture. I now have a permanent hunch, with my shoulders rolled in. I also suffer chronic neck and shoulder pain.

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  • Lula73
    Lula73 Member Posts: 1,824
    edited November 2018

    the choices aren't just implant or flat. There is also natural tissue reconstruction where you can have basically a tummy tuck or butt lift and have that tissue used to create new breasts. It results in very natural looking and feeling breasts very similar to the breasts you had in your late teens/early 20's. And the recon can be dine at the same time as your mx. The PSs that do this procedure have to be microsurgeons so if your PS isn't one that's why they didn't bring it up. This also means that your PS who is not a microsurgeon is it qualified to evaluate whether you're a candidate for the procedure or not. Here's a helpful link:

    www.breastcenter.com


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  • exbrnxgrl
    exbrnxgrl Member Posts: 12,424
    edited November 2018

    Despite all the testimonials pro or con for the various types of recon, I think one also has to consider that you have no way of knowing how your body will respond or how the appearance will effect you mentally or emotionally. There is no way to guarantee that YOU will be happy with the results so be cognizant of what can or cannot be undone.

    I say this not as one who is unhappy with her recon, on the contrary, I’m quite happy but I think it’s important to go into it with the understanding that millions may have be satisfied with a given procedure, but you may not be. All the best to you.

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  • Mallory107
    Mallory107 Member Posts: 223
    edited November 2018

    This is what I wish I would have done Lula. I was afraid at the extent of the surgery at the time because I had 2 little ones. I wish I would have just done it-I was not thinking long term.

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  • MAT33
    MAT33 Member Posts: 5
    edited November 2018

    Thanks to all of you who were able to reply -- much appreciated!!

    So -- my BMX is now past tense! Had the surgery on 10/30, so, 4 days post op. I'm healing well thus far.

    I decided to go for the smooth round silicone implant; smaller than my original size; I was a 32G; and am now with 360cc implants. No idea what the cc was for my original. After my breast reduction in June (to prepare for this surgery, I was at a 420 ish cc)

    I really wanted above the pec (sub glandular) placement, so that is also part of this deal. My PS says to try this for at least 6 mos, and then make a decision -- I was really leaning toward no recon, but couldn't quite get to the 100% mark -- so this gives me options later if I want to have them out.

    Healing has been inching along -- sleeping a lot, but up and moving as much as I can. My family has been so available & supportive.

    Part of post op healing on implants -- using a bear hugger post op to help with having some vaso dilation to the area; along with nitro paste applied during surgery and BID post op -- which I have continued at home (to decrease odds of necrotic tissue gaining traction).

    Again - thanks to you all -

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  • oxygen18
    oxygen18 Member Posts: 164
    edited November 2018

    No conflict for me, I have been enjoying the freedom of being natural, no reconstruction, lots of options as to external prostheses when I want them. And it's nice to know that if I ever decide I want surgical reconstruction, it would still be covered by insurance.

    But I've been dealing with serious health issues. If I were in great health and doing a prophilactic mx, perhaps I'd have made a different decision, though I doubt it :) I think the key question about recon is: who are you doing this for?

    I do hope you come to a decision that feels right for you, and I wish you all the best.

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  • Aussie-Cat
    Aussie-Cat Member Posts: 5,168
    edited November 2018

    MAT33, I'm glad your surgery is behind you and you are healing well thus far. I hope your healing continues to go smoothly and you feel good about the course of action you've taken.

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