Reconstruction revision due to necrosis

Rachael I haven't had this experience with needing to explant due to infection but dang I am so sorry it is happening to you. What a pain as if a diagnosis isn't enough to bother with. It is a lot to take in emotionally. I did direct to implant as well and the first time around I had tremendous discomfort (ok, pain) from scar tissue and the whole experience took the stuffing out of me. Once I did the revision surgery and worked on those issues I felt so much better and I hope the same goes for you.

((Hugs))

Yes, I had this happen as well, and it all turned out OK - eventually. I had bi-lateral skin and nipple sparing mastectomy with immediate sub-pectoral placement of tissue expanders, filled to 200ccs after removal of breast tissue approximately double that volume. Things looked really excellent immediately after the surgery - surprisingly so. At about the two week point I started to develop scattered necrotic areas across both sides, markedly worse on the non-cancer side, but the nipples themselves looked fairly ok. Some of the spots started to spontaneously clear with the application of Silvadene cream, but some worsened - I had the unfortunate combination very thorough tissue removal, abnormally thin pectoral muscles, and thin skin. A week or so later, on the side with larger scabbed and necrotic area, the expander ruptured through the muscle/skin necessitating an emergency surgery. Right after that I also needed surgery for ALND as I had surprise positive nodes at the time of the mastectomy. I had subsequent surgeries two weeks later, and again two weeks after that, and the left side expander was removed. Once the expander was out the skin healed very well. I went on to chemo, then replaced the expander about six weeks later and expanded slowly. The exchange surgery was without incident about six months after the expander was replaced. I did go on to have some other issues - I have a lot of surgery noted in my signature line - and some of that is fat grafting, downsizing of implants, a silent implant rupture, implant swap, etc. - not necessarily having to do with this initial problem. I know this is a challenge and a disappointment - believe me, I totally get it. Try to keep your eye the eventual outcome and not get too bogged down in what I hope is a temporary setback for you. Easier said than done, right? I will be sending positive vibes for resolution with no more surprises for you, but feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions - or post here. Wishing you the best.