Hi Carol,
Are you sure your surgeon said “expander implants” and not expanders followed by silicone implants??!! Expanders are usually used tempoarily prior to implants,and gradually expanded to size, where a larger breast pocket needs to be created, prior to replacing it or them with the silicone one.
I’m at expander stage, 2014, from bi lat mastectomies (2006 and 07) and very delayed recon, been through all the expansions and about to have them replaced with the below mentioned “anatomical or tear shaped” silicones, end of this month. I’m the same age as you and never wanted anything other than implants, them being the “simplest” op option, with faster healing, fewer scars + less risk of infection (all my own personal preferences). Much better results can be achieved for you, with an immediate recon, but that’s very much dependent on whether you need radiotherapy soon after, as that can affect the whole recon, whether self tissue or implants.
I’m 2 1/2 yrs delayed, in my delayed recon !! just due to other lifes brown stuff, nothing else. But, because I HAVE had a further delay, I now have the added extra benefit, that I asked for but was told wasn’t possible at my initial recon consultation 2014, which is that of “Strattice” or tissue matrix. This is sewn/attached into the pectoral muscle and used to create a sling that adds extra support to, helps smooth the edges of the implant and reduces any rippling effects to the breast when the arms are lifted. It also helps reduce “capsulation” formation.
There is always a risk of capsulation with implants, which, yes, can occur sooner if rads are given, but may take years to form otherwise - if indeed at all. The tissue matrix helps reduce the development of this, as it reduces internal movement of the implant beneath the skin. As does the exterior finish/coating that’s now available on the newer type implants.
Even if you do need rads, you can have extra corrective surgery later, once the effects of rads and skin have settled.
I can’t stress to you enough, the need to get all the facts from your surgeon and BCN’s BEFORE you have the surgery. There are some good BCC booklets available on the implant recon options from this site. But all of what I explained above to you, should have been explained to you anyway. I’m guessing the only unknown factor for you, is whether you may require rads or not, which I’m guessing will be dependent on your biopsy results at the time of surgery.
Carol, will you please keep us in touch with how you’re doing prior to your surgery, and anything else you may be struggling with. Hope this has been of some help to you, despite me coming or going at it from a different starting position to you.
Lotsa love
Delly xxxxx
I agree that yes, methods do change all the time (thank goodness for progress!) and yes, hospitals do offer different options (although NICE guidance states that all reconstruction options should be discussed with patients even if they aren’t available at the hospital concerned).
xx