Hi all. I may need a single mastectomy and because of the two c-sections plus appendectomy I’ve had previously, I don’t have enough abdomen tissue to do a DIEP reconstruction. From all the previous threads I’ve scrolled through, there’s not a lot of discussion on the pros and cons of implants. If anyone who’s had implants could let me know their experience and how they feel about them now, please let me know. Thanks.
1 Like
Hi @fiona1980.
I am sorry to hear what you’re going through. Just while you’re waiting for members of our community to share their experiences, I thought sharing this page from our website might be helpful if you have any questions: Breast reconstruction using a breast implant | Breast Cancer Now
If you have any other questions in the meantime, you can also speak to one of our nurses, reach them on our free helpline 0808 800 6000.
I truly hope you are able to get some answers soon.
Best wishes,
Chloe
1 Like
Hi,
I haven’t had implants, but I thought I’d mention that I had a reconstruction using tissue from my thigh. I’m a size 8, 30D and was surprised to have enough tissue from there. If that’s an option for you, I’m happy to tell you how it was for me.
Good luck with whatever you decide.
Lisa x
2 Likes
Hi @fiona1980
I had a single implant in June this year at the same time as mastectomy and am content with it. Like you, I didn’t have enough stomach fat for a DIEP but I wouldn’t have gone for it anyway because I didn’t want the extra wound and recovery time.
I read widely on various sites and so was aware of the cons but for me these are quite minimal. I actually don’t feel that it is ‘alien‘ to my body and neither does it feel cold. It’s definitely harder than a natural breast but day to day I don’t notice this. I also have full skin feeling over the implant but I don’t think this always happens or is typical.
I have a prepectoral implant with ADM mesh in a dermal sling. I was large breasted before surgery 34/E/F and this is one of the reasons why I decided on reconstruction as I thought managing with one large breast and prosthesis would be tricky. At the same time, the surgeon also reduced my ‘good’ breast and so I have two a bit smaller than before. I was told that they wouldn’t be identical but they are a pretty good match. You can have follow up procedures such as lipofilling and nipple reconstruction but I won’t have any more - just perhaps a nipple tattoo at some point.
Let me know if you have anything you’d like to ask - happy to share my experiences. Wishing you all the best.
1 Like
Hi @fiona1980
Implants were my first choice after I researched then my surgeon confirmed it was my only choice as I didn’t have enough fat for 2 boobs. First I had expander reconstruction then implants once the area was ready. My surgeon suggested round implants rather than shaped as I have a concave chest. The expander was shaped and rotated pretty quickly giving odd shaped boobs. The smooth round implants are so much better for me. Went for smooth too because there is zero chance of a further type of cancer than if using textured implants. This was in 2022 since then new implants are being offered that offer a better look. My skin is really thin and the implant is saline filled and boobs can look crinkly depending on posture. A good bra from Amoena helps with this. Whatever you get make sure to massage all round everyday as cordings can appear from repairing tissue and if not broken needs further surgery to cut it.
Hope all goes well xx
1 Like
Thanks all. I’m still waiting on the results of the MRI determining whether I need a lumpectomy or a mastectomy …