Hi KatieA, I had a single nipple and skin sparing mastectomy with immediate recon using silicon implant. Phew what a sentence full!! Had pain on the left hand side of my breast but from what I have read is consistent with the sentinel node removal. As far as pain from the mastectomy and implant, my chest was a little bit tight (implant is 540ml) but was off all painkillers except panadol three days after surgery. I was off work for 8 weeks but that was only because I went home with two drains - one came out one week after surgery and the other hung on for 8 weeks. As soon as it was out I was back at work the next day. It turned out that the drain was causing my fluid levels to stay high as it was causing irritation. Overall I reckon it was certainly the best decision for me and I have no regrets. Surgeon said I would be off between 2-45 weeks. Bruising was minimal, still have a couple of blue patches on my breast due to the dye used for sentinel node biopsy and my surgery was June 15 last year. Hope this all helps. Go with your gut, and what you feel is right for you. And then let us know what you decide. Hugs. Xx Cath
