I’m halfway through a 2-stage bilateral mastectomy, and I’ve reached the point in recovery from stage 1 to start freaking out about stage 2. I’m feeling okay-ish about the ‘new boobs’ - until I remember that they, too, are on their way out in a few months. I didn’t know which op would be or feel ‘bigger’, but right now I’m finding the idea of artificial substances in me… just, urm.
I’m not sure there’s much scope now to go for other methods (various reasons) - I have a chat with the surgeon in December, but think it’s too late anyway - but while I can see some advantages to the implants route I am now wondering.
Without horror stories, please - I’m at too fragile a point to cope, sorry! - could anyone tell me if their implants feel ‘okay’, or … I dunno, I think I just need a bit of reassurance that I’m not going to feel like I have an alien in my chest. I suppose people do the implant thing for ‘fun’ (haha) so they can’t feel that weird, although is it very different if it’s without any of your own tissue around it? Will I lose the remaining sensation in the skin?
I had a left mastectomy with immediate implant reconstruction in July. Most of the time I don’t notice that I have an implant. I get tweaks in my pectoral muscles from where it’s stitched into them but on the whole I’m pleased with the result. I have no sensation in the skin over the implant which is a bit weird, but then how often do you notice how your breasts’ skin feels? So it’s not like having a normal breast but it’s not awful either. I have almost no subcutaneous fat so my implant is right against my skin. I have resumed running and swimming with no problems. As long as I wear a super-supportive bra for running!
I’m trying to imagine what it would be like to have both my boobs as implants. I think the main thing is the loss of sensation in the skin and armpit. And the implant is firmer than normal breast tissue. Feel free to PM me and I can send you some pics if you like!
Hi bookish - it’s a really good idea to come on here and chat/get reassurance when you are having a wobble. You have had some good advice from marisawray about implants and I would agree with her comments. I had a mastectomy and implant about 3 years ago and I’m happy with mine too. Mine is also firmer than my real one, and more rounded and not much sensation, but I can play sports/go to the gym as I did before. I don’t have any tissue around mine, mine is in some sort of sling thing sitting on top of the pectoral muscle. I really don’t think you will feel like you have an alien in your chest, I hardly notice mine now. I am very happy to answer any questions at all.
Have you asked your surgeon to show you photos of what they will look like? Most have photos they can show you.
My very best wishes to you for your next steps. Evie xx