Hey all
I am 18 months past initial diagnosis, active treatment finished and just had implant exchange (as part of reconstruction after bilateral mastectomy). I was really disappointed with the results; while I had temporary expanders the left implant shrank a lot so there was a lot of asymmetry. The surgeon thought the exchange would correct this but when I saw him he said the skin was very tight on the left which is why they still look very different in size. He said he can improve it with lipofilling and has booked me in for this in 3 months time. I’m pleased it’s so quick but anxious about a) the procedure and b) whether I will end up with a good result. Any positive stories of lipofilling, how it felt and the results, would be much appreciated! I had small breasts and my reconstructed ones are small too - just the left one is tiny with no volume!
Hi, I hope you are doing well and feeling positive.
My situation is slightly different to yours, I had 2 lumpectomies and radiotherapy and by the time this was all done my breast was 2 cups sizes smaller than my good breast, so it was suggested I get reconstructive surgery.
I first had a perforated flap operation which unfortunately failed but then I had 2 lipografting sessions.
They took the fat from my sides which left the 2 areas sore but not dreadful. My breast felt fine, not even sore really. I was in and out of hospital the same day and I felt fine to carry on the next day as normal, although I am retired so not sure about work but I would guess most jobs you would be able to go back to work quickly.
I struggled to find many people who had already had fat grafting because it’s a reasonably new procedure for reconstruction.
If you are confident it will help you please don’t worry about the pain or procedure, after what you have been through it will be a doddle 
.
Best wishes going forward xxx
Hi sap1981
Seconding the comment that compared to what you’ve been through, this one is an absolute walk in the park! I had my bilateral mastectomy in Jan 2021, and lipofilling in Sept same year. For me, the lipofill was more to smooth out the rippling I had, so maybe not quite the same as your case - was dealing with a DD cup, though! However, can confirm that it was very ‘minor’ surgery. I chose to have the fat taken from my thighs and spectacular bruises but otherwise fine.
Also worth noting that lipofill is often done more than once to get best results: I think it’s a case of only so much fat transferable/taking at a time? Mine worked okay first time (relatively small fix), with also giving it just time to let things settle down.
Hi I had a left breast implant and tissue replacement along with a right breast uplift done in 2012 The tissue was taken from my stomach and left my stomach a bit tight and mis shaped for a number of years until the fat returned. I didnt have any problems and the left breast looked and felt more natural then with the expander (which felt like a tennis ball under the skin) this had been put in place in 2011 to help the skin stretch prior to implant but there was the option to keep the expander
I would say sometimes its hard to manage our expectations of what can be achieved
Stay positive and good luck
I had single mastectomy and then DIEP flap reconstruction. Lipofilling is a very simple, same day procedure. They took fat from my sides and grafted it into the right. Up to 50 % of the fat get reabsorbed into the body so expect to need this done more than once. I had initial fat grafting in October and going in again next week. Very simple, easy procedure. Can return to work within the week but no workouts for 2 weeks, as with DIEP, just walking. Bruising in the areas they took the fat from. I was advised to wear Spanx or similar compression which felt very comfortable.
Good luck! I am sure you will be happy w results. ( I am very small breasted and needed symmetry). Congratulations on being at the reconstruction stage. Excellent health to us all.
Thanks so much all for your replies, they are really helpful. It’s good to know it really is a minor surgery! The asymmetry seems to be improving very slightly which is encouraging.
Hi, I saw your reply and I am interested in your experience. I have had a mastectomy on my right Cancer side, stage 1 no cemo or radio 3 months ago and am waiting, (going through the hoops) for a second on my left non cancer side for symmetry balance and comfort. I love being flat on my right side and am sure that going completely flat will be a good option for me. However, I am wondering if down the road after all the healing having some minimal fat transfer or both sides would be a good option for a more natural shape under my clothing. My surgeon seems dismissive of this option for some reason and seems to think my inquiry about this option means I am uncertain about having my remaining breast removed. This is not the case at all. I just am interested in possible future options after I become flat. Hearing about other peoples experiences is very helpful. Thanks!
Hi, not sure I can help with your particular question as I haven’t had lipofilling. I hope someone else can help with this, I know people do have ‘goldilocks’ reconstructions using just fat transfer so I agree it seems a reasonable request. Frustrating to be told how tou feel about your own body 
In case helpful (for others) I do have an update which is that I sought a second opinion with a plastic surgeon regarding using lipofilling to improve symmetry and rippling, and he said this is highly unlikely to work. So I’m not going to go ahead with it!
Thanks for the reply. So many bumps in the road on this journey. But lots of very kind and gracious people to travel with. I am very grateful for that.