IMPLANT OR AUTOLOGOUS FLAP

Hi SamL8900, 

I had a double mastectomy in Nov 2024 with immediate implant reconstruction.  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.  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 happened
• my implants are always cold to touch - not sure if everyone else has that, but it takes some getting used to
• the 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 skin
• One 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