Reconstruction after mastectomy

[Titch22]

I’m looking for some advice, for those of you that have had a mastectomy & reconstruction did you get good results? I may be heading down this path & wanted an idea of pros & cons following surgery?

[Happyrosie]

I decided against, as I didn’t want another operation. A friend of mine had her reconstruction done about fifteen years ago and she’s still happy with it.

[brianna29]

I had a reconstruction same time i had my mastectomy. I was pleased with it. It was nearly 5 years ago. I am very aware of it sometimes and in my mind it has gone a little smaller even though my husband said its no different. I am still pleased i had it done. I had the muscle from my back. I was not pleased with the nipple reconstruction but am used to it now. Good luck with what you choose x

[Hidden]

I had an expander, then an implant, not happy with it now, it’s gone solid, like sleeping on a tennis ball. I was due to have the DIEP flap replacement, but that got cancelled due to covid, so now, I’m doing it privately, wished I’d done it originally, but I had a holiday booked,and didn’t to ruin things for my family.

[Debs1962]

Hi I had my op 5 years ago, had mastectomy with implant at the same time, I am happy with mine on the whole, it is smaller than my own boob, as I have put on some weight, surgeon did say to me he could even up my other boob and lift it, which my friend has had done, and is pleased with that, to be honest with a bra on you can’t notice difference, only if no bra etc.

I wanted a more simple op at the time, and the op where they use your own fat etc is a big op.

Good luck x

[MRK-3]

I had my op. 3.5 years ago had mastectomy and they used the muscle from my back for the implant, I had a lot of complications afterwards and it was very painful, sorry but that was my experience and I would not have it done again.

[diamondial]

I had a double mastectomy 2 years ago and had immediate reconstruction with expanders which were replaced with silicone implants last year. My reconstruction was pre-pectoral ie in front of the muscle using Braxon 'collagen cloth' made from pig skin. I had no pain to speak of (no muscles were cut) and an uncomplicated recovery. Now I have no issues and can exercise etc as I did before the op. I do have slight rippling on one breast. The Braxon website says that this method avoids capsular contraction and certainly I've not had anything to date. I am extremely pleased with the results I've had and so glad I chose this method of reconstruction.