Breast look and feel- one real and on implant
Hi all, I’m deciding between a double or single mastectomy. I’m 48 and single and really want to conserve the look and feel of my boobs as much as possible. I was wondering if I got one with implan...
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Hello - I ended up having a double nipple sparing mastectomy with implant reconstruction (after lumpectomies with unclear margins). I am happy with the look of them (I think they look better than my natural breasts - rounder and perkier), however they do feel different (not as soft). In particular the one that had the cancer has thinner skin in one area where I can feel the implant. Also, I have lost quite a lot of sensation in the breasts. Overall though I am happy with the outcome. I had the double mastectomy for symmetry but also to reduce the risk on the other side because of dense breasts.
Thank you 🙏🏽 that gives me hope. Do you have any sensation left in the nipples? That’s one of my main areas of grief- if I lose this.
Do they feel heaps different to your normal breasts?
How was recovery for you?
I am glad it gives you hope.
While I don't have sensation in the nipples, I do have some sensation in other areas of the breast. I can understand your concern.
I understand there is a greater likelihood of nipple sensation when doing the DIEP flap style of nipple sparing mastectomy (this is where they take fat from the stomach and move it to the breast under the skin to replace the breast tissue which is removed). I looked into the DIEP flap as I was told it had the best outcomes in looking and feeling like natural breasts. However, it was not the right fit for me after further investigation (eg. my veins and body fat level). You may want to discuss this with your surgeon.
For me I am pretty happy with the cometic outcome of the implants, but they are not as soft as natural breasts. I can tell the difference. Something to consider.
Recovery took about 6 weeks from memory. It was quite uncomfortable during this time (and I was taking pain medication).
Hope you come to a decision you are comfortable with. Wishing you the best, it is a difficult decision.