Hi All
My surgeon is seriously considering replacing my implant due to radiotherapy damage. Radiotherapy wasn’t on the cards when I had my initial surgery but due to cancer cells in my axilla lymph nodes it seemed like the sensible next step. I do have some fibrosis and my breast has some bumpy edges, not to mention the tissue damage. I just wondered if anyone has had a replacement and did it go well and do you feel better for it.
Hi
I had a tissue expander put in after my mammogram in 2017 as i was getting radiotherapy after chemo and surgeon wasn’t willing to put in an implant. I was told i would have this removed 1-2 years later but my name never came up on the list. I did ask on numerous occasions but was told i now wasnt a priority. In 2022 i wrote a letter of complaint as my expander was causing some discomfort and the skin had become necrotic. I had a quick response and was seen in jan 2023 and surgeon said it had to come out. I was given a date for june to have a diep reconstruction using my skin and fat tissue. Op went well. Did have a couple of complications due to a seroma. New breast and uplift on other side healed well. I have a tightness still across my new flat tummy, which im not sure if its now due to the fact ive put on a bit of weight. If your surgeon just wants to replace your silicone implant it should be a fairly straightforward procedure. It all depends if it needs to be done. Is your surgeon concerned about it? Do what you feel happiest with. Probably no help whatsoever 
I haven’t had a replacement but I had a mx in 22 and then a recurrence so went through chemo plus rads. My implant has since hardened a bit however I am unsure if I will do anything. However from what I hear my surgeon he seemed very comfortable with doing replacements. It’s more I don’t know if I want to go messing with it for a very irrational fear. Plus going through more surgery! Since the rads it’s lifted a bit but really only I would know so will wait a while. Interested to hear from others and if you had an implant on other side to make it more even. I was very happy with my initial mx implant in terms of size and it feeling very natural so would love to hear from others too if anyone has gone through corrective surgery.
Hi @Sandra_G yes my surgeon is a bit concerned due to radiotherapy damage to both the implant and surrounding tissue. It is likely it will be replaced or it might just be removed with no replacement at all. I’ve got used to having an implant so hope that doesn’t happen
1 Like