reconstruction w/implants question??

Steph · 03-24-2007, 07:24 AM

I have had my reconstruction surgery and am in the process of being expanded. My new dilemma is what kind of implants to get, saline or silicone. My plastic surgeon suggests silicone because of the lack of breast tissue and the skin being thin due to radiation, he says these are more natural looking. I am wondering if any of you have had implants, if so waht kind and what was the outcome? Silicone seems a little scary but they get the best result.

Thanks for your input.
Steph

KellyA · 03-24-2007, 07:30 AM

Hi Steph,

I did have implants put in with reconstruction and got silicone under the chest muscle. I was told the same thing about the skin being too thin to support the saline. I am happy with the way that they look, they are very natural looking, but I kept them relatively moderately sized at a 34 B. They did feel a little "hard", or "firm" at first, but things have loosened up quite a bit. I also had my nipple reconstruction 10 days ago and am very peased with the results. I am amazed at what can be done now. Just amazed.

Love, Kelly

Audrey · 03-24-2007, 10:23 AM

Hi Steph, I had reconstruction with saline implants and while they turned out okay, I often wish I'd gone with silicone for a more natural result. I was worried at the time about the risks of silicone (rupturing, causing problems) but silicone doesn't seem to have as bad of a reputation anymore... My saline implants are "fine" but not "wow"--good luck making your decision, I know it can be a difficult one.

Sheila · 03-24-2007, 12:09 PM

I had reconstruction done with a mentor silicone implant....and I am part of a study for 5 years....I did end up with adhesive capsulitis....but I am not ready to have it fixed with more surgery. I did not have nipple reconstruction...I am going for a tattoo, but something unique, like a palm tree....

MCS · 03-24-2007, 03:04 PM

Hi Steph,

I have a saline implant on the rb. The doc said silicone is more natural looking, which is true. I'm a VERY SMALL gal so the difference between the two types for me is not significant. I went with saline because i'm a wuz and i'm scared of rupture but this does not happen often.

I also have have an expander and will place a matching saline implant in.

I will also just do tattos in the future like Sheila. I'm tired of more surgery.

Just a reminder that in the future if you do mri for the annual check up, there are now special mris for breast silicone implants, ask about this at your doc's.

I'm so glad Kelly went well with her surgery. She was also very helpful to me in answering your same questions a few months back.

XOXO

MCS ( maria)

Mary Anne in TX · 03-24-2007, 04:33 PM

I'm really lovin' the palm tree, Sheila!!! I've decided not to make any decision for about 3 - 6 months. the thought of the expander makes me tired. But maybe by late summer I'll be ready! I appreciate all the sharing on this topic. Sometimes I really wish I'd pressed harder to have had both sides done and just forget it! But I know how time changes thinking. Thanks to all for sharing their experiences and knowledge. And most of all for keeping it fun! I may keep looking odd for quite a bit longer!!!!! Maybe a puppy?????

Good cheer, mary anne

Sheila · 03-24-2007, 06:43 PM

Just a reminder, if you go with silicone, or maybe even saline, I do know that it is harder to get an accurate echo done as I had quite a time with them being able to visualize the ventricle because of the implant.....(not the palm tree! ) They just injected an inhancer into my vein and got a clear picture and measurements...just something to remember if you are having an echo done versus a muga scan.

Marlys · 03-24-2007, 06:54 PM

Sheila,
Put a pair of flip-flops under the tree!
Love, Marlys

Becky · 03-24-2007, 07:07 PM

Make it green flip flops!!

Liz J. · 03-24-2007, 07:21 PM

Becky,

Sandy has the patent on the green footwear (lol).

jessica · 03-26-2007, 06:00 AM

Hi~
I just had my expander "swap out" 3 weeks ago after a L skin sparing mastectomy. In the process, my R side was augmented (slightly-just 250cc's) to match the L.
My implants are silicone & I am AMAZED by how real they feel. As they were expanding my L side w/saline, I was a little uncomfortable with how not real the saline felt. Sometimes I could even feel the saline swishing around inside!
After I was finished w/the expansion period & scheduling my swap out surgery, I had some sadness about altering my R, healthy breast. But the silicone implant feels totally real-kinda reminds me of my how my breasts felt when I was younger & they were much fuller.
The L side (mastec/expander side) still feels a little rigid-the skin even has a little shine to it, so I'm really glad to hear from Kelly that things continue to "loosen up".
And just a note about silicone implants - there has NEVER been sufficient evidence to substantiate all the claims of complications w/silicone implants. The FDA ban was effective in the US only (maybe Canada too?) b/c we live in such a litigious society & the FDA was being very cautious. In the meantime, silicone implants have always been available to all women, for all reasons outside of the US.
My doc had me meet w/his nurse to talk about all the details of my surgery, address any/all concerns about implants-silicone & saline-before my surgery.
I hope you have the same opportunity, so that when you do go in for your next stage of reconstruction, you can go in with knowledge, confidence about your decision & peace of mind!
Keep us posted~
Keep the Faith!