After having had my breasts removed in October 2008 I am now looking towards reconstruction. I have been to see my surgeon who suggests my best option is to have the muscle and skin removed from both sides of my back and implants put in. I could have one at a time done, but feel if I am to have it done I will need it doing at the same time as I will probably not go back. I will probably have to have an expander inserted on the side I had radiotherapy followed by a permanent implant. I next see my plastic surgeon on 9 August and I am excited but nervous about having this done. I do not have any hang ups about having no breasts but the thought of having breasts again excites me. Is there anyone out there who has had bilateral reconstructive surgery from their back with implants? I would be interested to know what can go wrong, how you feel now, and if you think you made the right decision. Are you happy with the results…please help, I feel I need to make a decision on whether to go ahead with this before seeing my plastic surgeon on 9 August. Thank you for any replies.
Sorry cant help you but you sound really positive about it. Im aiming this year to have biliteral reconstruction using tummy but going in shortly to have expander fitted on current masectomy side. xx
thank you for your comment lisaf, good luck with your bilateral recon. One thing I note is that you are having an expander fitted first, maybe that is what they will do with me, I thought the expander was fitted after recon. Angela xx
My situation is similar, though different, to yours, but I hope I can help.
I had one breast removed in November 2007. I could not have immediate recon (nor would I have wanted it) because I then had to have 25 rads and this would not have been possible with an implant.
13 months later I had an LD flap (with implant) and it was absolutely terrific - 5 nights in hospital (until the drains could come out), and I was back at yoga and playing tennis within 2-3 weeks. To come round from the op and look down at 2 mounds of flesh on my chest instead of one was wonderful.
To achieve symmetry, at the same time, the breast tissue in the healthy breast was removed and replaced with an implant. However, this was not nearly as pleasing as the LD recon breast, so when I saw the PS last July we decided the only option was to have another LD flap, which I had last November.
There is, naturally, a certain amount of discomfort after the op, but nothing that cannot be managed with patient controlled analgesics and/or paracetamol. It is important that the physiotherapists get you up and about as soon as possible, usually the following day.
5 weeks ago I had a nipple sharing graft (the nipple on the healthy breast had been preserved throughout) and so all that remains is to have some tattooing to create an areola.
I am absolutely THRILLED with the result.
However, I must warn you that it is not as plain sailing for some girls out there, as you may read on this site, and some are adamant that an LD flap is the worst thing they could have ever chosen.
I was lucky in that my yoga and tennis activities were not affected in any way (in fact I think they helped my recovery as I was my own physiotherapist, so to speak), and can honestly say that I am sitting here typing this as though nothing has ever happened to me (and that’s not denial, it’s the truth)
And my various ops and the resulting dressings, scars etc have caused much discussion and education to the other girls in the showers at yoga!
Ask your PS to show you some photos of girls who have had similar operations and you will see for yourself the amazing results that can be achieved.
Please feel free to PM me if you have any questions.
Bubs x
thank you so much for your reply Bubs, you have made me feel quite excited about it. I will probably PM you at a later date if that is ok. I am going to think about your reply and if any questions come to mind I will PM you. Once again thank you so much, you also sound very positive in your thinking. I do a bit of cycling and also, like you, do yoga and was thinking I might have to stop it for a while after the op, but maybe I will only need a couple of weeks off, who knows. I do try to keep fit which I believe one needs to when going for a big op like this. I do worry a little about having two breasts done at the same time, both from my back and I wonder if I will be able to find a comfortable position. Take care n thank you. Angela xx
Hi Angela, I had an LD flap done with implant done ( but no expander) at the same time I had my mastectomy. I have always been happy with the outcome…and that was done 21 years ago. I am sure there are more ladies who will come along who have had it done more recently who can tell you more. LOve val
hi angela, as im having a tram flap op i was wondering why i was having an expander first but i think its so that they can stretch my skin on masectomy side so that when they come to do the main op they can use most of my skin - ouch. Good luck with the op xx
thanks scottishlass for your reply, and 21 years later you are still happy with the result…well thats certainly something…have you ever had to have the implant taken out and replaced with a new one?
lisaf when do you get your expander? and when do you hope to have your bilateral recon?
Well I seem to be getting positive feedback…so far. Thanx for the replies girls and it will be interesting to weigh up the pros and cons…Please if there is anyone else out there, we would love to hear from you. luv angela xx
Hi Angela. I did have it replaced but that was very early on. This was because the implant had encapsulated ( it went very hard and was uncomfortable). They replaced it withg a different type so I have probably had the new one one for 19 years. (The second op was very easy for me).
The way they described the new implant was that the outside was sort of like corrigated paper, the first one was a different type and smoother. But the scars and overall effect has been very satisfactory, so the 2nd op sorted out the problem for me. The only problem now is I have a lovely 39years old boob, but other side as grown with me and I call it my 60 year old boob! Gravity has not done it any favours either! I could do with an op to balance them up…but I am not that bothered and no-one seems to notice the difference when I am dressed. I recently asked my Consultant if I needed a replacement implant but she said that there was no need to do it perfectly ok. I trust her judgement completely. If you have any other questions, PM me if you prefer. Good luck, Val
Hi Angela
Just got my date after a very long wait (missed me off the list), 5th August i go for the expander, then 3/4 months later the big 10-12 hour 2nd masectomy and double recon - very scared i always am but hopefully my easter next year will all be done and i can go to Florida with the family and have fun in the pool without hiding under cover up and hiding under water - albeit it very scary!
Keep us informed xx
Hi ang31 I had bilateral back flap reconstruction on April 15th. I think my new breasts are great. It hasn’t been easy but you need to stay positive and have plenty of me time! Good luck
I have had a letter cancelling my appointment for the PS on 9 Aug, I am gutted, my appointment is now 4 October, but hey kay sera sera.
A friend of mine has just had a reconstruction on one of her breasts from her back from the same surgeon I will be using, she looks bloody amazing, she says there is not really pain that one couldnt deal with (she keeps herself very fit).
Keep in touch Lisa, I will be thinkin bout you on 5 August, and would like to know how that goes.
luv to all Angela xx