I had a mastectomy last June and had a temporay exandible implant in from then until January when I then had a ‘permanent’ silicone implant put in together with 130gms of fat. Unfortunately however i have ended up with a much small breast mound than I had expected as the surgeon had to put a smaller implant in that he had planned because my skin had shrunk. As a result he has suggested I either now have a further three or four lipomodelling operations this year which he feels I may still feel disappointed with or that I go back to the drawing board and have the full DIEP operation. I feel it is less of a health choice and more of a vanity one and am really struggling with making a decision over this. Has anyone had to face this - thinking they were going down one route, finding it less successful, realising it was going to take much longer than expected but facing the longer more invasive of operation as an alternative?
Hi Rose-White, I have not had to face this and I’m not surprised you are struggling to make up your mind what to do! You’ve already been through so much. 
x x
Hi Rose-White
I’m sorry to read you’re having such a diffiult time. Whilst you are waiting for the other users to reply with their experiences you might find it helpful to talk things through with a member of staff on the BCC helpline. Here you can share your thoughts and concerns with someone who will offer you a listening ear as well as emotional support and practical information. The number to call is 0808 800 6000 and lines are open weekdays 9 to 5pm and Saturday 10 to 2pm.
Best wishes Sam, BCC Facilitator
Rose White I feel for you. I had immediate implant recon after MX in September but it got infected and was removed in December. I finish Chemo this week and am due to have an expander in 3 weeks. Then radiotherapy and the plan is silicon in 6 months. I’m worried that my body will reject the implants again and I’ll be faced with your situation too. Its so tough to have it redone.
Hi Rose White
I have not experienced this so not much use in answering your question but what you say about it being a vanity option really strikes a chord. I feel like that about making a decision about whether or not to have anything done to my unaffected breast when I have my expander swapped for a permanent implant. I think maybe we need to be kinder to ourselves and think of health in a broader sense of our physical, emotional and mental well being and our overall recovery from the experiences that breast cancer brings. Good luck with your decision making.
Kate x