Did you know that implants have a shelf life? I am a 27 year survivor and have had reconstruction three times with implants each time. If I were thin and small breasted, I would never have reconstruction. One of my buddies said she would be Lawrence during the week and if she had a hot date on a weekend she use her prostheses and be Laureen. It can be very freeing not have to worry about a bra or anything.

I've been breast-free and loving it for 12 years now. I decided against any type of reconstruction since I saw lots of problems working as a mammo tech. I'm 5 ft. tall and 120#. I dress in layers and have breast forms for when I get dressed up or swim. I sleep best on my stomach and worried that reconstruction would put an end to that.

I had implant reconstruction and was kayaking ten days later after expander swap out surgery. I don't think I could have handled being "flat". The removal of my breast was just so demoralizing so at least having "something" there to me was better than the alternative. It's not a breast, not really even close, but it is a shape and makes me feel somewhat normal again. There's a Facebook group of some of my friends who have opted or not had reconstruction work out for them. It's not always by choice. Sometimes it fails. They are called Flat and Fabulous. You can ask to join and get their perspectives. https://m.facebook.com/FlatANDFabulous?id(Phone number can only be seen by the question and answer creators)&_rdr

This is a tough decision. I am thin, too. I opted to go from 34B (my natural breasts before bmx) to what I now believe is 36C. I have to admit that although the breasts look good, there is a part of me that regrets the decision to go bigger. First, if you are thin your breasts may have "ripples" because the implant ripples show through your skin. Second, if you are active the breasts can feel heavy. If I were truly an athlete and very active, I would consider small implants or maybe none at all. After reading the posts above, I certainly understand how it could be freeing not to have implants. I have seen photos of women who chose not to have reconstruction and I actually think it looks quite normal - hardly different than a woman with small breasts. I did not have drains with my reconstruction. It was a very easy surgery. Almost no pain at all (only took pain meds for 2 days) However, you may have to have expanders and that can be painful. Also, the fact that the implants have to be replaced in 10 to 15 years bothers me. But, please know that I bike, exercise and fast-walk (I don't run) and the breasts don't interfere with my being active. So, I think if you decide to have reconstruction you will be happy with that decision as long as you stay relatively small. I certainly understand how this decision is difficult and I wish you the best as you decide what is best for you.

Hello,

I am thin as well 5'1 and was 103 lbs at diagnosis (am 110 now). My plastic surgeon took one look at me and told me I had no tissue to give her so doing tissue reconstruction was NOT gonna happen.

I was originally a 36A cup (without padding, with padding I was a 34B). Now I am a 34C cup. I chose to have reconstruction for several reasons: 1) I am young (24, 23 at the time) and knew I had many years to live...I wanted to look/feel like a woman for those years. 2) I knew if I felt better, I would feel better sexually...and I have found this to be true.

I did tissue expander reconstruction with silicone gel implants that have a teardrop shape. These new implants (mine are from Natrelle), look more realistic then some of the other silicone ones. Saline is also an option for you but I have heard from lots of other women that rippling was a serious issue with saline implants.

I love how mine look. I haven't done nipple reconstruction yet and to be honest from what I've heard I am thinking I am just doing to do nipple tattooing instead. I am going for my follow-up with my plastic surgeon on the 13th and will discuss it in more depth then.

Honestly, I do have some pain in my upper right quadrant (between my shoulder and my breast but I have had all of the tests done that show that it is just from scar tissue. I was given stretches to do but I forget to do them most of the time which is probably why I have pain...my fault lol.

I personally would suggest reconstruction. I look amazing in a bathing suit and have the body I always wanted but never had. Having breast cancer sucked but at least liking my body through it was my one prize. And my boyfriend loves the new breasts too...so I guess its a plus for him. Again, neither of us would want me to have cancer but since I did...at least there are positives.