Removing implants after BLM

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Ellora
Ellora Member Posts: 1
in Breast Cancer #1

I was talked by the surgeons into having implants put in after my BLM. They told me "I wouldn't look right in clothes" if I didn't have reconstruction. I told them to give me the smallest implants possible so they could do it at the same time as the BLM and I wouldn't have to go back for another surgery. I'm almost 4 months out of surgery (in the middle of chemo that will be followed by radiation), and my chest feels gripped by an iron vise- especially under the armpits. As soon as I'm done with the treatment, I want to have the implants removed. I suspect I will feel much more comfortable and less squeezed to death. Has anyone had implants removed and then felt better- or not felt better? I'm not sure that it's the implants causing the discomfort- I just suspect it is.

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  • disneyfan2008
    disneyfan2008 Member Posts: 6,583 Member
    #2
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    Good Morning,
     
    I have no

    Good Morning,

     

    I have no expericnce with implants at all-sending you hugs.

     

    I am sure you will get much advice from others here on this board.

    Sorry you are going through this.

    Denise

  • button2
    button2 Member Posts: 421
    #3
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    I didn't get reconstruction

    I don't know how you are feeling because I chose not to get reconstruction. But it sounds like you should get to the bottom of the problem before you remove your implants. It would be a shame to remove them if there is something else you could do to feel better. Did the doctor give you exercises to do post surgery? You really should get a second opinion as well. The way you say you were "talked into" surgery makes it sound like your concerns weren't addressed properly. Doctors shouldn't be talking you into anything esp cosmetic procedures. Remember, they are making money from these surgeries. Could you wait a bit until chemo is over anyway? You are going through so much, more surgery might be very tiring for you right now. Whatever you choose to do, I wish you strength going forward. By the end of this summer, you will be feeling much better. Take care, Anna

  • bethsbaby
    bethsbaby Member Posts: 61
    #4
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    Hi Ellora,  I had

    Hi Ellora,  I had reconstruction after a bilateral mastectomy.  However I had tissue expanders for about 6 weeks before I had exchange surgery where I had implants put in.  During that time with the tissue expanders I had that tight feelings,  it is  sometimes described as wearing an iron bra.  My dr prescribed low dose muscle relaxer (flexeril 5mg) and I also took Advil when needed.   The pain under your arms could be scar tissue from you BMX.  You need to discuss the different options with your plastic surgeon as well as your radiologist.  I know that damage to the skin damage during radiation can make reconstruction difficult.  i did not have radiation, but know someone who did and had reconstruction afterwards and she had trouble healing on one side and eventually had to have implant removed.   Talk to your Drs, and if possible get a second opinion about your options and expected outcomes before you do anything else.    For now try Advil and see if you can get a muscle relaxer.. I was able to split the 5 mg pill and only took it when needed.  You might also wnt to look into physical therapy, or if the Recharge for Recovery program is available in your area, try that.    Hope this helps :)

     

  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member
    #5
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    bethsbaby said:

    Hi Ellora,  I had

    Hi Ellora,  I had reconstruction after a bilateral mastectomy.  However I had tissue expanders for about 6 weeks before I had exchange surgery where I had implants put in.  During that time with the tissue expanders I had that tight feelings,  it is  sometimes described as wearing an iron bra.  My dr prescribed low dose muscle relaxer (flexeril 5mg) and I also took Advil when needed.   The pain under your arms could be scar tissue from you BMX.  You need to discuss the different options with your plastic surgeon as well as your radiologist.  I know that damage to the skin damage during radiation can make reconstruction difficult.  i did not have radiation, but know someone who did and had reconstruction afterwards and she had trouble healing on one side and eventually had to have implant removed.   Talk to your Drs, and if possible get a second opinion about your options and expected outcomes before you do anything else.    For now try Advil and see if you can get a muscle relaxer.. I was able to split the 5 mg pill and only took it when needed.  You might also wnt to look into physical therapy, or if the Recharge for Recovery program is available in your area, try that.    Hope this helps :)

     

    I agree with bethsbaby ....

    she has some excellent suggestions ..  Please please please take a moment, find a plastic surgeon in your area that can offer you a 2nd opinion before making any decisions.  

    You are dealing with so much - emotional, and physically .

    Please keep us update when time permits!

    Vicki Sam

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