Quote From: mustbecrazyI recently had breast implants for breast reconstruction after mastectomy for breast cancer. If not for the mastectomy, I would not have had the implants. I was pretty flat-chested before, but I did fine with padded bras.
I really do like the results of the reconstruction. The plastic surgeon is great. Because of the mastectomy, it was a three-step process. First, a tissue expander was placed on the side where the mastectomy was done...this was to stretch the scar tissue. Next, the implants were placed on both sides (to make them match), and a breast lift was done on the breast that wasn't removed. Last, I had a nipple graft, with skin from the groin.
I went from AAA to a B cup. I wouldn't recommend getting "melons"...B cup is perfect. On a recent visit to with my family, my sister said "nice rack". I do look much better in clothes, and I look slimmer.
Be prepared, though, for a long recovery period. I wasn't allowed to raise my arms for 6 weeks, and it is very painful for awhile. Now that I have recovered, I have no more pain.
In the consultation, the plastic surgeon explains the process. Ask to see his procedure book, where there are before and after pictures of women who have actually had the procedure done. The pictures don't show anybody's face...just the torso. Also, ask how many women he has done breast implants for. Ask how many of the procedures he does per month. It is important to have a surgeon who is experienced. You might also ask the local general surgeon's office who they would recommend for plastic surgery. Also, ask your general doctor. Don't go to a doctor that your own doctor wouldn't recommend. Be sure to ask lots of questions, and if you think of more questions later, don't hesitate to ask for another consultation to get your questions answered. In the consultation, the doctor will want to see your breasts, and he/she will give you an idea of what can be done with them.
I got the new silicone implants...much more durable than the ones they used to use. There are also saline implants available. My silicone implants look and feel very natural...you would never know that I had implants.
I have scars at the bottom of my breasts, but they are hidden in the crease below the breasts. The scars are painful still, when I wear a bra...which I have to wear 24/7 for awhile, to let the breasts form the "scar pockets" that hold the implants in place within the breasts. I never could wear underwire bras..very painful. Now, the underwire bras are forbidden for several months. There are plenty of nice bras out there that don't have underwires.
My insurance paid for the breast implants because it was for breast reconstruction. The surgeon's fee is separate from the surgery facility fee. The total between the doctor and the facility charges was around $8000 each time I went in for the three surgeries. Conventional breast implants (not for reconstruction) is a one-step process, so it would be only one charge of around $8000.
There are risks involved with any surgery. You have to be put under general anesthetic, which carries its own risks. Also, you have the risk of infection of the surgery area. I was put on antibiotic after the procedures to help prevent infection. Also, the implants are only expected to last 20 to 30 years, and then, they might have to be redone. My sister-in-law had implants placed in the 1970's, when they were relatively new for wide-spread use. Recently, she had to have them re-done because one of them broke. The newer implants that they use now are much more durable, but there is still a risk of having to have them redone in the distant future.
Do your research ahead of time, so you will know what questions to ask at the consultation. Usually, the consultation is free. Look online for information on breast implants. Learn about the procedure, and then make sure that you are getting a reputable and respected plastic surgeon.
I hope this info is helpful for you...Becky
