Hi all, I wondered if anyone had had an LD recon using an implant in only the reconstructed breast and did it look ok next to the natural tissue breast? I am so worried I don’t know if I should go ahead or not! My plastic surgeon said I don’t have enough fat on my back so I would have to have an implant and the other breast is quite large so can’t put an implant in that one as well.
I was diagnosed in 2007 with DCIS had mx and immediate tram flap recon that I was happy with. (long haul but all went well)no other treatment, then April 2010 diagnosed with grade 3 tumor in recon had recon removed in May lymph node clearance and had 6 cycles of fec and radiotherapy now on herceptin for 18 cycles!
Sorry if I rambled a bit my head is all over the place
Maria
Yes! I had an mx and immediate LD recon And it looks fine. Before surgery I was a 34/36 C/D cup depending on weight and make of bra), so I needed an implant in the recon side, but no reduction/messing with the ‘good’ side.
I’m nearly 6 months post surgery and my PS has done a great job of matching new to ‘old’ - even down to the right level of droop! My recon boob is a bit bigger and firmer than the other one, but my implant has a port in it so it can be adjusted when it all finally settles. Unfortunately I have to have rads and that may cause shrinkage, I think he allowed for that eventuality cos it was a possibility.
Hi D,
thanks for putting my mind at rest. I had gone to one of the PS talks and he said at that time that he would generally put an implant in both so I was a bit confused as to whether one would be pert and one not so pert. I have a 32f cup and good breast was reduced and lifted 1st time round so maybe that is not an option this time. It’s typical I feel I have all these questions now and couldn’t think at the time when he asked me!
Sorry to hear about the rads I hope it all goes ok for you and it doesen’t have too much effect on your implant. I do remember feeling shattered for weeks after mine and just had to rest when I ran out of steam. It’s so nice to be able to talk to someone who understands.
Maria x
Maria - Phew, you’ve been through a lot! I had MX and immediate LD recon with implant last November and I’m really pleased with the results. I’ve even had rads on it too which finished 5 weeks ago - so far so good. I do, however, have to have a reduction and uplift on my other boob (so no implant) because I opted to have a smaller recon (always wanted to be smaller) and that will hopefully be before xmas. I’ve been reassured by the PS that both will match and look good, it has to look 100% better than ‘one up, one down’ like it does at the moment!
D - my recon is doing well with implant after 25 rads, it’s a bit hard at the moment but I’ve had no sore skin or any other SE. I did use aqueous cream beforehand, continued with my arm exercises and wore a loose fitting bra.
Thanks Rachel,
you are so right it has got to be better than now I know recon is not for everyone but I hate having to wear the prosthesis it’s horrible in the heat.
Hope everything goes well with your uplift it must feel a bit like light at the end of the tunnel! - I feel I have a much better idea of what to expect after hearing from other ladies who have been there already.
Maria x