Hi,
I’m due to have recon on 19 Aug - LD flap & expander implants & was wondering how the implants are expanded? Will the PS expand it during the opp & how soon after surgery will it be topped up again?
Thanks
Suz x
Hi Suz,
I didn’t have the LD flap, just the expander implants. It was a little bit expanded I think when it was put in but I had my first ‘top up’ about a month after surgery to give time for the scar to heal. I have a port to one side which the surgeon inserts a syringe of saline into. I think the norm is to put in 50 or 60mls but it could be more or less depending on your size and discomfort. I didn’t find that it hurt at all but it can be a bit uncomfortable and the breast felt full after each expansion. That wore off during the course of the day though. I had ‘top ups’ every couple of weeks but again, that depends on your body and what the surgeon advises.
As you are having your own tissue put in as well, it may be the implant will already be partially expanded but don’t be too alarmed if it isn’t. I got very upset when I awoke from the mastectomy and found myself ‘flat’. However, after 3 months I had a well formed boob with cleavage.(better than the original in fact!)
Good luck with your surgery - I hope it all goes smoothly.
Val
Hi Suz - no LDflap - just the expander implant here too. As val says 50mls at a time - there was none in mine after MX, i was gutted. Surgeon reported that the pocket available was way too tight at the operation, so expansions for me didn’t start until about 8 wks after. Its been very slow, and quite uncomfortable progress to date. Had the MX and recon on 28/01 and still only at 400mls. Hopefully it won’t be that long for you. Wishing you all the best for the op.
Lynn
Hi Suz
I had Mx 1st Aug with silicone implant in and already had some aline in it I was very very pleased! After being told I could nt have reconstruction, ( I got a second opinion, My Angina!). I ve had two fill up since. One last week he put 100 mls in but 4 weekd earlier he tried to put 100 in and it was to tight for me so he pulled 20 out I go back in Oct and then maybe once more I think he said. But its really a big difference to my DD one looks ok in clothes but not full on. I asked him what will it go to but never got a proper anwser I think maybe a C cup if Im lucky. My boob is rock solid ha when I feel it it feels like I am feeling someone else cause most of it is numb too (anyone else like that)?
My boob is like a 12/13 year, one ha very up and perk not real if you know what I mean - but better than not having one at all. He did say I could have a breast lift and reduction on my other one!! I did like my DD but never mind I will get used ot having a smaller bust!! But no idea how long this will ALL take!!
Good luck Ladies xxx big hugs xxx
hi suz,
I had double mx with ld flap and implants in 6 wks ago.so far i havent been expanded but now swelling has gone down so at my next apptment on friday im hoping they get expanded a little.also one boob is slightly bigger than the other so hopefully will be evened up.
best wishes
Di