Implant only recon after mx and rads?

Hello

I wondered if any of you have had an implant only reconstruction after having a full mx and radiotherapy?

If yes, why did you go down this route? What did the drs say about it? How has it worked out for you? Has the skin coped ok?

I had a bilateral mx in Dec 2010 after a diagnosis of BC October 2010 and BRCA1 confirmation shortly after. I had immediate implant-only recon, but then a new primary 6 months later. I then had to have the implant removed and an excision of the new cancer and and the skin flap, followed by rads. So I now have implant on one side and flat on the other. At the time I was told that the only realistic new recon would be with my own tissue in due course, but I would prefer to avoid that. One surgeon has said we could talk about implant only later in the year but I don’t know how realistic that is. I know that the skin has been affected by the rads and that implant only is not necessarily the best approach but I would like to know of anyone who has gone down this road rather than an own tissue recon.

thank you

C2010

No experience of this Claire - but found you on page 4!

Bump!

Hi Claire,

I havent had mine done yet but this is what I’m planning and I know other people who have had it done and are pleased.

I finished rads in Nov 09 and I had to leave it at least a year. I’m having an implant with strattice mesh in about 3 months time. There is a high chance of capsular contracture if you have had rads but they do offer it. I dont think it will look as good as a flap but I made this decision as I didnt want the rest of my body touched. I have just had a fat transfer into the mx site to help the skin before the implant.

If you search strattice on this site there is some discussion about it. I hope you get what you want it sounds like you’ve had a hard time.
xxnaomi