Reconstruction without expanders

[Dancegal]

Greetings Everyone! I had a mastectomy of my left breast in Dec 2017. At the time all I could think about get rid of the cancer! I said I wasn't interested in implants, however my surgeon said he left some skin in case I changed my mind. So now over a year later, I cannot stand the prosthetic breast or any other bra inserts. They don't stay in place or hold my bra down. So short story long... Is it possible to get implants without going through the expander surgery first? I am medium size 36C and I'm ok if they don't match exactly but would like to have comfort, movability (I exercise a lot: Running, Zumba, U Jam, Yoga, Swim) and maybe cleavage as I am now having to buy all high necked tops due to the missing breast. Please share your experiences! Much appreciated!

[Nicu697]

I too had left breast mastectomy in 2007 and just wanted it off. Didn't want reconstruction because it's a big process. Didn't have time or money to stay home from work any longer. Many times I regretted decision because inserts move around so much. Don't know if you have to have expanders. I wish you luck and if anyone knows of inserts that don't move please let me know.

[anrean in reply to Nicu697]

I do not know of any that don't move, so I sewed velcro into my bra and on the light insert to keep it in place! It works great!! Hope this helps Oh, I sewed the soft side of the velcro on the bra so it would not get damaged in the wash.

[Hollykins in reply to anrean]

Genius!

[Epinto]

Before considering implants please ask your doctor about the reports on textured implants and breast implant associated lymphoma. This is not considered breast cancer but a cancer that is rare but can develop from the implant. It seems the smooth saline or silicone is safer- for now! I have a textured implant post mastectomy and am thinking of removing it!!! Do your research before u make any decisions and read the reports from the FDA, I feel like we r all guinea pigs!!!’

[Inthegrey]

Yes, you will have to have the expanders to stretch the skin out and make a pocket for the implant. Please do your research first on implants or see if you are a candidate for DIEP flap reconstruction (using belly fat). There is a lot coming out on the safety of implants, including the smooth ones, not just textured ones. Even though I had a double mastectomy without reconstruction, I have not had problems with the inserts staying in place. I hope you had a well experienced fitter.

fda.gov/news-events/press-a...

[VicReg Partner]

Only your surgeon would be able to tell you, I suggest contacting a plastic surgeon for a consult. The decision would be dependent on the dexterity of the skin, whether or not you've had radiation will also be a factor as it tightens the skin. Do your research on all types of reconstruction, but speak with your doctor first to determine what type of reconstruction you are a candidate for. Not everyone can have implants, not everyone can have a flap surgery, there are many factors to be considered.

[Hollykins]

I messed up & my message ended up below under Greetings from my Right Breast.

I do have some ideas for bras & prosthesis wrangling!