Total left mastectomy vs expander/implant?
Hi everyone - I’m newly diagnosed and have found BCN hugely helpful and reassuring. I have bilateral early cancers - invasive ductal (left side) and invasive lobular (right side). ER + PR + HER2 -....
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Hi @vickitennant
I was 47 at surgery, slim and fairly active (swimming, running, circuit). I had triple positive IDC in the left breast, but widespread microcalcifications across both breasts. I had a bilateral skin sparing mastectomy, direct to implants in May 2024 (as not enough tissue available for DIEP flap). I also had a sentinel node biopsy on the left side and didn't need radiotherapy.
My natural breasts were small, so I chose the smallest implant to match my frame. I confirmed with my surgeon that the implant would be over the pectoral muscle so my shoulder movement would be minimally affected.
Surgery was about 4 hours and I saw a physio prior to surgery - both my surgeon and physio provided me with exercises to do in hospital, which I started the day after surgery. The hospital stay was 5 days and I discharged after the drains came out on the 5th day. Having two drains in made movement hard and uncomfortable.
I got an infection 1 month after surgery in my non-cancer breast. My surgeon was onto it quickly and did a surgical wash-out which saved the implant. No problems since.
My new breasts are heavier and more firm than my natural ones, but I am used to that now. I am back to swimming with my squad in the pool and doing the same amount and type of exercise as prior to surgery. Almost back to the same strength and fitness 6 months later!
Aesthetically, my new breasts look different because I have scars instead of nipples (you won't have this if you are having nipple sparing), although I will probably get 3D nipple tattoos eventually. They are symmetrical (which is important to me) so look good in clothes and bathers etc.
Feel free to ask any questions and all the best.
I was 47 at surgery, slim and fairly active (swimming, running, circuit). I had triple positive IDC in the left breast, but widespread microcalcifications across both breasts. I had a bilateral skin sparing mastectomy, direct to implants in May 2024 (as not enough tissue available for DIEP flap). I also had a sentinel node biopsy on the left side and didn't need radiotherapy.
My natural breasts were small, so I chose the smallest implant to match my frame. I confirmed with my surgeon that the implant would be over the pectoral muscle so my shoulder movement would be minimally affected.
Surgery was about 4 hours and I saw a physio prior to surgery - both my surgeon and physio provided me with exercises to do in hospital, which I started the day after surgery. The hospital stay was 5 days and I discharged after the drains came out on the 5th day. Having two drains in made movement hard and uncomfortable.
I got an infection 1 month after surgery in my non-cancer breast. My surgeon was onto it quickly and did a surgical wash-out which saved the implant. No problems since.
My new breasts are heavier and more firm than my natural ones, but I am used to that now. I am back to swimming with my squad in the pool and doing the same amount and type of exercise as prior to surgery. Almost back to the same strength and fitness 6 months later!
Aesthetically, my new breasts look different because I have scars instead of nipples (you won't have this if you are having nipple sparing), although I will probably get 3D nipple tattoos eventually. They are symmetrical (which is important to me) so look good in clothes and bathers etc.
Feel free to ask any questions and all the best.