Forum Discussion

Renners's avatar
Renners
Member
6 years ago

bilateral mastectomy then immediate reconstruction results

I have just finished chemo and now deciding on surgery. I am having a  bilateral mastectomy with nipple removal and then immediate reconstruction with implants. Has anyone had this with the implant over the muscle? Did they look ok? Also then had radiotherapy after? Where you happy with the result? How many other surgeries did you have? I am having a hard time picturing it and aligning my expectations with what can be done. Worried I will not be satisfied and it will affect me emotionally as I have been coping ok with breast cancer diagnosis until now.

double-mastectomy
Reconstruction
  • primek's avatar
    primek
    Member
    6 years ago
    I didn't think they could  do it over the muscle after the breast was removed. Unless they are going to create a dermal matrix support as the skin is very thin after mastectomy. Is the radiotherapy just to your axilla? If not I'm unsure how you could have the permanent implant in if they need to do the chest wall. Are they considering expanded tissue expanders then changeover?. My understanding is radiotherapy can damage the implant and compromise and thin the skin, hense why I didn't think it could be done this way. I expect many of these questions need to be discussed with your surgeon.
  • Zoffiel's avatar
    Zoffiel
    Member
    6 years ago
    I think the implant over the muscle sounds a lot less complicated, way back when I had mine done, it wasn't an option.
    Coping with your appearance is a complex issue. I don't like anything about my retreads, but I could forgive them if I could only ignore them. Yes, the result is disappointing but that is, quite literally, not what keeps me awake at night.

    Ask to be admitted to the Choosing Reconstruction private group and you may be able to find some photos of a similar approach. Please ask your surgeon if they have some images of their work as well. Mxx