Forum Discussion

Bloona's avatar
Bloona
Member
3 years ago

Reconstruction implant only

Hi Everyone,
I had a mastectomy and lat flap recon in 2019 and may need another mastectomy on the other breast (awaiting results hoping for the best, planning for the worst to get organised!) I'm wondering if anyone has had an implant only reconstruction and how it has been? I was advised against this last time and told that it would lead to a lot of puckering, and may look and feel unnatural, which I don't really care about. 
This or a mastectomy with no recon are my only choices at this point as I have had a lot of trouble with my back after the lat flap so couldn't repeat that option
Many Thanks
implant
Reconstruction
  • Julez1958's avatar
    Julez1958
    Member
    3 years ago
    Hi @Bloona
    I hope it’s not another cancer but if turns out to be and you need a mastectomy , it might be worth joining the private group on here “ Choosing Breast Reconstruction “- there are stories and photos from members who have had a variety of reconstruction including implants.
    Also the website “Reclaim Your Curves” has some useful information.
    I had DIEP flap reconstruction so can’t assist with personal experience but many ladies have gone the implant route and been happy.
    Best of luck.
  • Bloona's avatar
    Bloona
    Member
    3 years ago
    Thanks @Julez1958 I have posted in the CBR group and had a read of the info on Reclaim Your Curves, that was super helpful, much appreciated thank you x
  • JP46's avatar
    JP46
    Member
    3 years ago
    Hi @bloona, I’ve had an implant only reconstruction and chose to have the implants placed over my chest muscle, and with only a thin layer of skin over the top I’m prepared to accept some cosmetic issues, for me that is preferable to being flat. I’m only 4 weeks post surgery so time will tell, they’re not like natural breasts but they’re doing a pretty good job of looking like breasts 👍🏻
  • Abbydog's avatar
    Abbydog
    Member
    3 years ago
    Isn't the main reason for being offered Lat Dorsi usually because Radiotherapy makes a big difference to your tissues. Apparently tissue doesn't stretch  the same as before. 
    It sounds like you are still waiting for results and plan of treatment, if needed.
    Good luck with everything.

  • Bloona's avatar
    Bloona
    Member
    3 years ago
    @JP46 Thanks so much for your comment, did you have to have an expander or did they just use the permanent implant straight up if you don't mind me asking?
  • JP46's avatar
    JP46
    Member
    3 years ago
    @Bloona I just had implants put in at the same time as the nipple sparing mastectomy was done
  • Bloona's avatar
    Bloona
    Member
    3 years ago
    @JP46 oh amazing thank you, I also am not too bothered about cosmetics but would like something there. Thanks so much for sharing