Reconstruction by implants.

Options
Yankee Girl
Yankee Girl Member Posts: 21
in Breast Cancer #1
Hello sisters.....

Has anyone had a double mastectomy with reconstruction by saline implants? That is the path I chose. I am done with the reconstruction (except the tatooing of the aereola) and am finding the implants very uncomfortable. Has anyone else experienced this? There has been some encapsulation, which the plastic surgeon advised me could happen, and he said it can be painful. Well it's not terribly painful, but annoying. My plastic surgeon was not a "breast specialist", and I'm thinking about getting another opionion. But yet I really dont want more surgery. Thoughts anyone? Suggestions?

Lori

Comments

  • RE
    RE Member Posts: 4,591 Member
    #2
    Options
    Hello
    Hi Lori,

    I had reconstruction on the right side via the expander and silicone implant. I did not experience the encapsulation you mention but I did have an issue with the implant slipping which resulted in my having to have a second surgery which was much like having the original surgery to have the pocket the implant sits in secured. It was a bummer to have to have the surgery a second time but it was well worth it as I am now much happier with the results. I also choose to have a skin graft rather than the tattoos which for me worked well. I think I would seek a second opinion from a breast reconstruction specialist to see if they can offer a solution so that you can be pleased with your new look. We go through so much it is only right that you should be the best you can at the end of this journey.

    Hugs,

    RE
  • butterflylvr
    butterflylvr Member Posts: 944
    #3
    Options
    RE said:

    Hello
    Hi Lori,

    I had reconstruction on the right side via the expander and silicone implant. I did not experience the encapsulation you mention but I did have an issue with the implant slipping which resulted in my having to have a second surgery which was much like having the original surgery to have the pocket the implant sits in secured. It was a bummer to have to have the surgery a second time but it was well worth it as I am now much happier with the results. I also choose to have a skin graft rather than the tattoos which for me worked well. I think I would seek a second opinion from a breast reconstruction specialist to see if they can offer a solution so that you can be pleased with your new look. We go through so much it is only right that you should be the best you can at the end of this journey.

    Hugs,

    RE

    Hey Lori,
    No help from me, I had a double mastectomy but I am still waiting for my exchange surgery. I too have chosen the saline route when the time comes. I am currently sporting my inflated tissue expanders and I can feel those babies too. Not anything uncomfortable but not a natural feeling either. I'll be watching this thread closely to see if I can learn anything new myself.

    Hugs,
    Lorrie
  • Yankee Girl
    Yankee Girl Member Posts: 21
    #4
    Options
    RE said:

    Hello
    Hi Lori,

    I had reconstruction on the right side via the expander and silicone implant. I did not experience the encapsulation you mention but I did have an issue with the implant slipping which resulted in my having to have a second surgery which was much like having the original surgery to have the pocket the implant sits in secured. It was a bummer to have to have the surgery a second time but it was well worth it as I am now much happier with the results. I also choose to have a skin graft rather than the tattoos which for me worked well. I think I would seek a second opinion from a breast reconstruction specialist to see if they can offer a solution so that you can be pleased with your new look. We go through so much it is only right that you should be the best you can at the end of this journey.

    Hugs,

    RE

    Thanks for your reply
    Thanks for replying to my post. What you said at the end is true about being the best we can be at the end of this journey. I think I will enjoy the rest of this summer and come fall get a second opinion from a specialist. Can't hurt, right?

    Thanks again,

    Lori
  • DianeBC
    DianeBC Member Posts: 3,881 Member
    #5
    Options
    Yankee Girl said:

    Thanks for your reply
    Thanks for replying to my post. What you said at the end is true about being the best we can be at the end of this journey. I think I will enjoy the rest of this summer and come fall get a second opinion from a specialist. Can't hurt, right?

    Thanks again,

    Lori

    I had a lumpectomy, but,
    I had a lumpectomy, but, wanted to wish you good luck and enjoy your summer!
  • renee616
    renee616 Member Posts: 181
    #6
    Options
    DianeBC said:

    I had a lumpectomy, but,
    I had a lumpectomy, but, wanted to wish you good luck and enjoy your summer!

    I had a silicone implant
    I had a silicone implant after a skin conserving mastectomy. I felt at times like I wanted to rip it out!It felt tight & felt like it was just sitting there, Its been 7 months & I'm just getting used to it. It still feels alittle numb to touch and aches once in a while, its not exactly what i imagined but i wont do any more surgery unless nessasary. i just had my other side reduced to match and will be getting a nipple/tatoo in a few weeks....then I'm done! Good luck with your decision!
    Renee
  • renee616
    renee616 Member Posts: 181
    #7
    Options
    DianeBC said:

    I had a lumpectomy, but,
    I had a lumpectomy, but, wanted to wish you good luck and enjoy your summer!

    I had a silicone implant
    I had a silicone implant after a skin conserving mastectomy. I felt at times like I wanted to rip it out!It felt tight & felt like it was just sitting there, Its been 7 months & I'm just getting used to it. It still feels alittle numb to touch and aches once in a while, its not exactly what i imagined but i wont do any more surgery unless nessasary. i just had my other side reduced to match and will be getting a nipple/tatoo in a few weeks....then I'm done! Good luck with your decision!
    Renee
  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member
    #8
    Options
    renee616 said:

    I had a silicone implant
    I had a silicone implant after a skin conserving mastectomy. I felt at times like I wanted to rip it out!It felt tight & felt like it was just sitting there, Its been 7 months & I'm just getting used to it. It still feels alittle numb to touch and aches once in a while, its not exactly what i imagined but i wont do any more surgery unless nessasary. i just had my other side reduced to match and will be getting a nipple/tatoo in a few weeks....then I'm done! Good luck with your decision!
    Renee

    I had a bilateral mastectomy .. tissue expanders, then
    Saline implants... However, I went to a Breast Cancer Specialist, as well as BC Plastic Surgeon. I am elated with my results .. my exchange was 1 year ago. My right breast fell, a little, but my Surgeon would not allow me to walk around like that .. I had a lift to my right breast in late September, 2011. Other than that, I look FAB. 'Barbie and Bambi' are thriving -- firm, and flourishing.

    Please call around, get a 2nd opinion .. when you find a Physician that you like -- review his portfolio of clients whom had both, the Saline and Silicone -- ask if you contact a few of them .. Piece of Mind, and best results is what you DESERVE.

    Good Luck .. and Happy Surgeon hunting~

    Vicki Sam
  • Dawne.Hope
    Dawne.Hope Member Posts: 823
    #9
    Options
    Hi Yankee Girl
    I'm not sure what you mean by 'encapsulation.' By it do you mean capsular contracture where scar tissue forms around the implant and causes pain and sometimes deformity? There are PT's (physical therapists) who are trained to break up the early phases of CC (capsular contracture). I've read about and met women who have had success with PT's in breaking up the scar tissue and early CC.

    What size are your implants? Wearing a bra can be very helpful in reduction of pain. I only have 325cc silicone implants and am very uncomfortable if I'm not wearing a bra. If you haven't gone and gotten fitted by a professional surgical bra fitter, I would do so. There are professionals at Nordstroms who are trained to help women like us, and you can also go to a specialty bra/MX shop and get fitted. But do ask for specifically for a 'surgical fitter.' A good bra can really, really help with the heaviness and the pain of the implants.
  • Yankee Girl
    Yankee Girl Member Posts: 21
    #10
    Options
    renee616 said:

    I had a silicone implant
    I had a silicone implant after a skin conserving mastectomy. I felt at times like I wanted to rip it out!It felt tight & felt like it was just sitting there, Its been 7 months & I'm just getting used to it. It still feels alittle numb to touch and aches once in a while, its not exactly what i imagined but i wont do any more surgery unless nessasary. i just had my other side reduced to match and will be getting a nipple/tatoo in a few weeks....then I'm done! Good luck with your decision!
    Renee

    To all who replied
    Ladies thank you all for your responses and good information. I will definitely see a specialist.My oncologist has a recommendation a breast specialist in Beverly Hills. That alone is encouraging !
    Renee....Let me know how your tatoos turn out ! Best of luck.

    Lori
  • Angie2U
    Angie2U Member Posts: 2,991
    #11
    Options
    Yankee Girl said:

    To all who replied
    Ladies thank you all for your responses and good information. I will definitely see a specialist.My oncologist has a recommendation a breast specialist in Beverly Hills. That alone is encouraging !
    Renee....Let me know how your tatoos turn out ! Best of luck.

    Lori

    Good luck with the
    Good luck with the specialtist. Let us know what they say!


    Angie
  • jo jo
    jo jo Member Posts: 1,175
    #12
    Options
    Hi Lori
    I had the mastectomy
    Hi Lori
    I had the mastectomy with silicone implants. I have a plastic surgerion who specializes in BC reconstruction and i believe it makes a big difference. Also i have been going to physical therapy throughout this process and one who also specializes in breast cancer cuz to me it makes a big difference. They will move the implant so they dont capsulate and if they do they help break it up. If you dont want another surgery try a breast cancer physical therapist first. I have not had the implant capsulate but my shoulder did causing "frozen shoulder" and that was very painful...painful enough my therapist would make me cry...lol!
    As far as the implant itself i dont think they feel real but you get use to them but i do like my new boobs!

Discussion Boards