Breast implants: saline vs body fat

rose1503

Coming to the end of my chemotherapy at the end of this month and looking forward to it. Back in August '03 when I had my left breast removed, my surgeon then, recommended that an expander for saline implants be placed for reconstruction to prevent other incisions on other parts of my body for getting fat tissue and for healing quicker. My oncologist is totally against a woman getting reconstruction while going through chemotherapy. Although, my reconstructive doctor, I hear is one of the best, I do have some concerns. The expander has now grown to the same size as my right breast, but my breast does not feel at all normal. It's hard and very firm and I can't say I am comfortable with it. My husband would prefer that my breast be soft. I read materials on the topic, augumentation vs none. When I went to get my heart examinations they had difficulties getting the views because they were not able to view through the expander. Has anyone had difficulties with heart and chest x-ray views or mammogram readings? Additionally, if anyone could share their thoughts why they choose implants vs none. If implants chosen, why you chose saline vs getting actual fat from other parts of the body. I am not scheduled for surgery until mid-April, but would like to hear others views.
Thanks!
Rose

lynne40

Hi Rose,
I'm not in the same position as you, however I have saline implants. I got them both before my breast cancer. There was no problem with mammograms or ultrasound or detecting my cancer. Mine are soft, however I also have breast tissue around them. My sister had a mastectomy and reconstruction with a saline implant and hers are very soft and natural feeling also. I would check out some sites for manufacturers of implants, they have pictures and testimonials from people that have had implants with or without cancer. If nothing else you can see pictures and pictures of the reconstruction surgery before and after to get an idea of what you want to do. Hope this helps a little. Good Luck!
Lynne

vac

i had tram flat my breast look so real except fot the nipples when everything is through i will get them done

muppie

I had the trans flap done 4 months after my mastectomy. It is a hard surgery - but well worth the results. The reconstruction feels very natural. The big plus for this type of reconstruction is that you get a tummy tuck too. If this type of reconstruction is an option for you - I recommend it.

swmets

I had trans flap reconstructive surgery the month after my last treatment. The doc said as long as my white counts were good it was ok to go ahead with it. I have a friend that got a saline implant & it kept moving on her & then got hard - so she had it removed & got the trans flap. Another friend had to keep having her implant drained & refilled due to hardening, but she still has it now with no problems. The trans flap is very natural feeling cause it is all from your own body. The only part I didn't like was the incision for the "tummy tuck" part. Mine was quite big & painful, but all healed rather quickly. I didn't get my nipple done & don't miss it. I have no problems with mammos or other scans. Hope this helps.

McCrossan

muppie said:

I had the trans flap done 4 months after my mastectomy. It is a hard surgery - but well worth the results. The reconstruction feels very natural. The big plus for this type of reconstruction is that you get a tummy tuck too. If this type of reconstruction is an option for you - I recommend it.

have went thru 8 sessions of chemo for breast cancer, now going for 5 weeks of radiation. I have been advised to have a double mastectomy and to reconsider reconstruction. I am leaning towards having the trans flap done but am looking for information from people that have had this surgery done.