IMPLANT OR AUTOLOGOUS FLAP

Question

Hi ladies,I am hoping someone couold share with me what the implants are like as a reconstruction choice.I had a DIEP FLAP in May and unfortunately had many complications and after 5 operations in 12 days and 3 weeks in hospital, they couldn't save my right breast 😭so I now have an expander in there and I hate it!! IT hurts!!I have spoken with my PS to see what the plan is moving forward and he said we can try a TUG FLAP (tissue from my inner thigh) or implant.I really wanted my breast to be mine and not implants but I really dont know if I can go through this process of operations and recovery again (bit of PTSD I think!) and if I have any more scars I'm going to look like Mrs Frankenstein!!&nbsp; But I am worried about having one implant boob and one of my own tissue, will it look odd, will it feel odd etc etc. I am soked with my left breast, it looks great, feels soft, great size and shape, I couldnt be happier!If anyone has been in the same position as me, I'd love to chat, but I'd also like to know how people feel about their Implant choice.&nbsp;

astrida_bcna · Answer

Hi SamL8900​ Thank you for sharing your story and starting the conversation.&nbsp;
While we wait for others to share their own lived experience, we thought you may find the following resources useful:

You can check out some stories that our members have kindly shared over the years. I have attached a previous discussion here: Reconstruction implant&nbsp;
If you haven't seen it already, you may find the&nbsp;Types of tissue flap reconstruction and About breast implant surgerypages on our website helpful too.

Wondering if May2024​ you may be around to share your own experience with SamL8900​&nbsp;
Please feel free to contact BCNA's Helpline 1800 500 258 if we can assist further.

may2024 · Answer

Hi SamL8900,&nbsp;I had a double mastectomy in Nov 2024 with immediate implant reconstruction.&nbsp; I was rushed back into theatre a few days later due to complications (heavy bleed with left implant) so I hear you re your comment on PTSD. You've certainly been through a lot. My thoughts / experience with the implants (keep in mind my journey could be very different to someone else who had implants)I didn't realise my implants wouldn't 'squish' down. &nbsp;I was only small breasted and was a tummy sleeper before bc- I have not been able to sleep on my tummy since the surgery because the implants don't squish down (and that has been a huge struggle to try and learn to sleep on my back) The implants are soft to touch - they just don't squish flat.I didnt realise i'd experience the weird 'electric shock' sensations that come out of no-where. Had I not been warned about it, I would have freaked the heck out the first time it happenedmy implants are always cold to touch - not sure if everyone else has that, but it takes some getting used tothe skin over my implants has a 'ripple' look; i've been told because the breast tissue has been removed, my skin is thin and there's no 'cushion' so to speak between the implant and skinOne implant has dropped slightly. It's not noticeable with a bra / clothes.The implants i have potentially may need to replaced every 10 years. I was apparently advised of this at my initial appointment but there was so much going on i obviously didn't take it in.If you have any specific questions, please reach out. My story is in the reconstruction group too.All the best with your ongoing journey&nbsp;

saml8900 · Answer

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences with me May2024, this is just what I needed. What I am hoping to get from this group is experiences of implants, TUG FLAP or if anyone who one of each. I have always approached my decisions and surgeries with a variety of info from not just the doctors but from us brave women that get forced into these rotten situations.

Wishing you all the best in the days, weeks and years ahead :)