anyone have an augmentation before Mastectomy like me?

Having aumentation before hand didn't make it any easier. The surgeon is still going to remove your current implants and all breast tissue. Do not expect your after mastectomy reconstructed breasts to look at all like your augmented breasts. Even if you choose implants as your reconstruction, you won't get the same projection that you did from your current implants. You have to remember that they are removing the the breast tissue/fat. When they put in the implant you will just have the implant and skin. You won't have the extra layers of breast tissue that give that projection. You can have natural looking breasts, just don't expect the same projected size or you'll be highly disappointed.

Sharon

Perhaps the previous stretching of the muscle will help some, since the muscle has already been stretched by the implants, and may prevent some spasming and pain after reconstruction, but I don't think it will help the skin.  They're going to take probably at least 1/2 of your skin off, and stretch it back out A LOT again over time.   Which is not like just getting an implant.    I am  7 weeks post bilateral w/expanders, and my doctor has told me several times that the "projection" is not the same with recon as it is with augmentation, so they won't look the same.  Especially at the top of the breast where there is no tissue.   The top of my chest is practically concave now, even with the expanders.   But my PS said the permanent.  implant will fill out that area some. 

It probably depends on how big your were to begin with too, and how much tissue they have to work with.

Where you won't get projection typically is at the top. You tend to be more flat there without the extra breast tissue and the implants just don't fill that part. You might not think that there is much breast tissue there but  you'll be surprised when it's gone how much was actually there.

You'll still get good results, just not the same as augmentation.

Sharon

I am 6 weeks today post surgery. I am 39 and had previous breast augmentation. I am got a bi lateral and instant reconstruction. No expanders. My PS used an organ donor (skin) and used it during surgery to repair any tissue damage and give some support for a 400 cc implant. They look great! Very similar in shape to my "originals". I feel very fortunate to have skipped getting filled and implant surgery. I start chemo now in one day. Wish me luck and the same to all of you.

anniebelle, They put some saline in the expander when you have surgery.  The amount varies greatly from one PS to another.  I personally had 30cc which gave me enough of a bump that I didn't feel flat or even like I had lost a breast (denial at its finest ).  I had very little discomfort (could be described as a dull ache) after my mast w/expander.  Other women who have MUCH larger 'fills' have had A LOT of discomfort (read as PAIN).  Best wishes!

I had augmentation 10 years ago and had a bilat mastectomy in March of '07.  I feel that my recovery and expansion was a bit easier, and my doctor indicated that I was already somewhat stretched out.  When I woke up from surgery, my expanders were filled to 300 cc's, and I had very little discomfort.  I would say it was less painful than my augmentation.  I have round, saline implants with approx. 550 cc's per side, and am a 34 D with nice projection.  I had actually begun to sag a bit with my prior implants, and my surgeon did a fabulous job of perking me up again.  Except for the lack of nipples, I would say I am 95% back to normal when naked and look as good as I did before in a swimsuit or bra.  Good luck to you.

Hi Cc01, I am wanting to get breast augmentation done now, I'm brca2 positive and will eventually have a mastectomy. I'm 21 now. Did it make it any easier having the muscle stretched before? Did they take out the original implants or keep them in and did they look similar after having the breast tissue removed?? I am a small a-cup currently. Thanks!