Flat chest scars - restrict movement or very tight? And did you have radio before going flat?
I'm in discussions with two surgeons (initial and then second opinion) about removing my 10-year-old textured and radiated implants and either going flat or replacing implants. I posed a similar question on the 'Flat Chat' group - I'm hoping this main chat has some more people who can share their experience on flat scars and radio. I was first diagnosed with BC in 2011 and had a loco-regional recurrence in 2014. I had a mastectomy with immediate reconstruction in 2011 (39 years old), and the other side was prophylactically done a year later. Due to the recurrence, I had radiation to the implant reconstructed site (10 years ago). The implants are the textured variety. The radiated side has some contracture (firm/tight), but specialists have told me it's not too bad (but it feels average to me). I also have a fair amount of tight scar tissue under my arm due to the recurrence and radiation. One of the surgeons has suggested that due to the radiated skin and existing scar tissue, I may find the 'going flat' scars across my chest may restrict movement/be very tight for some activities (I do medium weights for bone health, walking, hiking, some swimming, gardening and lots of remote camping etc). Has anyone found their flat chest scars restrict movement/very tight? And did you have previous radiation (or even a reconstruction) before going flat? What has been your experience, scars, issues and advice for going flat?Have you replaced implants after radio? What's your experience/issues/advice +capsule (kept /rem'd)?
I'm in discussions with two surgeons (initial and then second opinion) about removing my 10-year-old textured and radiated implants and either going flat or replacing implants. I posed a similar question on the reconstruction group - I'm hoping this main chat has some people who have faced re-reconstruction. I was first diagnosed with BC in 2011 and had a loco-regional recurrence in 2014. I had a mastectomy with immediate reconstruction in 2011 (39 years old), and the other side was prophylactically done a year later. Due to the recurrence, I had radiation to the implant reconstructed site (10 years ago). The implants are the textured variety. The radiated side has some contracture (firm/tight), but specialists have told me it's not too bad (but it feels average to me). I also have a fair amount of tight scar tissue under my arm due to the recurrence and radiation. I'm so confused because two surgeons have advised different processes for removing the current implants. One of the surgeons has suggested that due to the radiated skin and existing scar tissue, I have up to 50% chance of failure of replacing implants, resulting in needing a flap reconstruction or going flat. This has frightened the life out of me because I thought the replacement surgery would be relatively minor (a simple grease and oil change LOL) This surgeon suggests removing as much of the scar tissue capsule around the implant as possible before inserting the new implant (but not because of breast Implant Illness concerns - neither surgeon is on the en bloc/ BII train). Removing the radiated capsule could remove the current hardness and minor deformity. This surgeon also advises I may need up to 3 fat sculpting surgeries to smooth out the breast (thin) skin (but that’s more general anaesthetics and recovery and $s!). The other surgeon suggests leaving the capsule as is and placing the new implant inside the existing capsule. As my skin is very thin from the mastectomy, removing the capsule could hinder healing and create more scar tissue/infection/concaving. The fact that this area is radiated means the newly created scar tissue capsule could be worse than the one removed. I guess this approach means the existing firmness stays – but hopefully, it shouldn’t get worse if it heals without infection (better the devil, you know?). If you replaced your implants after radiation, what has been your experience, scars, issues and advice? Did your surgeon remove or keep your existing capsule?
Flat or Implants ?
Hello! I was diagnosed in August ‘22 have just finished 6 chemo rounds with 12 more Herceptin treatments to go. My surgery is Feb 23 for a double mastectomy. I am considering immediate recon with implants and am seeking any advice you may be able to share with me based on your own experiences with implants. Thank you 🙏 Chris
current breast implants
I have been diagnosed with stage 1 IDC. I had a lumpectomy right breast on the 11th Nov. Then they told me it was a grade 3 tumor and a mastectomy was their recommended choice or plan b was to have 2d surgery to remove more tissue. I refused mastectomy and are now considering 2d option with radiation in 6/8 weeks time but I have implants (2006) and am trying to decide whether to have the right implant removed before radiation or wait and see what happens. I cant find any info on removal of implants prior to radiation and anything about the impact of that surgery itself. Feeling a little lost and confused.
Plastic Surgeons in Brisbane
Hi all, After two different surgeons performed my double mastectomy I now have two completely looking breasts. They look completely deformed and I have just been told there Is a 4 year wait for plastics to correct my boobs. To say I was completely shocked as I was given the impression it wasn't a long wait time to correct after the implants, is an understatement. Total lack of information. I cannot afford to go private but feel there is no other option at this point. Does anyone know of any great surgeons in Brisbane who can correct this reconstruction, I will need fat grafting in one and a nipple moved on the other, if you know the costs roughly that would be a help. TIA Jen xUp coming Mastecomy update
Hi all, I posted back in February about my up coming Mastecomy and the decisions ahead. Update. Had the surgery Thursday 8th. I had a skin saving double mastecomy with immediate reconstruction direct to implants. Surgery went for 2 hours longer than planned as I lost a lot of blood and my blood pressure plummeted. I was feeling pretty wrecked afterward and had to have a blood transfusion at 1am on Friday, 4am and a third later that day. I have yet to see my new boobs but am told they are looking good. The pain is bearable for day 3 and I'm able to walk around today without feeling wobbly. Hoping the drains come out tomorrow but could be Tuesday. I'm really busting to go home. My blood pressure is back to normal thankgod. Really looking forward to my own bed to recover.
Radiation skin not healing after implant
Hi all, Wanting to know if anyone has had an implant put in and the skin not healing due to past radiation. I have a pin hole sized wound where the nipple has been removed and stitched, and three months later it still has not healed. I have been advised that the implant has to come out or replaced by a smaller implant. Has anyone had the same or similar problem?Any advice pls - local recurrence 2..5 years post mastectomy - advised to have radiation/tamoxifen
Hi everyone - in 2017 I had stage 2 HR positive/HET2 negative tumor removed in lumpectomy. Before I started radiotherapy I decided to have bilateral mastectomy and hence no radiotherapy given. I had reconstruction with implants and advised to take tamoxifen but I only took for a couple of months and stopped as I put on weight and thought I was low risk of recurrence due to mastectomy. I have now had a local recurrence (pea size stage 2 tumor) removed last week in lumpectomy. MDT meeting advised radiation and that I must take tamoxifen. If I can't commit to compliancy with Tamox then I need to have chemotherapy. I am a public patient and I have requested an appointment with a medical oncologist to discuss pros and cons of both. Do any of you have any thoughts? Thanks Kate
Going flat following reconstruction
Hi ladies I was diagnosed with stage 3 her2 + in 2015 with Chemo, radiation and bilateral mastectomy. At the time of my surgery the only option presented to me was reconstruction with implants which I did following expanders etc. now 4 years on I still feel very heavy in the chest and feel like the implants will never be part of me. My question is has anyone removed theirs implants and gone flat? I’d love to hear your stories and if you have any recommendations for surgeons in Sydney. Many thanks and sending lots of love
Size of Implants verses expanders.
Hi BCNA friends, I was wondering if anyone has an idea of how the sizes of expanders swap out for implants? I have been trying to decide whether I need to have one last fill or not. Do implants end up being the same size as the expander after surgery? I have read online where many have said that implants are usually smaller. I asked the breast nurse who has been doing my fills and she seems to think that they will be the same. Anyone had any experience with this? Thanks x