It looks like you're pretty new here so maybe I'll just give you a quick run down of a bilateral mastectomy first?

So generally if you're considering a bilateral mastectomy, there are 2 major types (I'm sure a dr has more, but this is how I think of it). Nipple sparing or not.

If you get nipple sparing, you will keep your nipple and they will make an incision on the side of your breast. There is minimal loss of skin, so they can sometimes go straight to implants without putting in expanders first. Sometimes they still need expanders depending on how big you want to go, but I know 2 people who went this route and they both went to immediate implants.

The pros are that you get to keep your own nipples and do not need to worry about nipple reconstruction. The cons are that there is generally more breast tissue left behind (more difficult to get it all) which can marginally increase your long term chance of recurrance. Let's call it 5% instead of 3% (your surgeon could tell you more).

So non-nipple sparing means that they remove your entire nipple, so you will have a horizontal scar accross your breast that is around 4-5 inches in length. They will remove as much breast tissue as they can and due to the removal of the skin around the nipple, they generally place expanders. Expanders are these plastic type of sacs that are like temporary implants that can be inflated over time with saline with the goal to slowly stretch out the skin so that there is a new "pocket" for your implant.

The second surgery is likely the less comfortable of the 2. Expanders are not terribly pleasant. They are extremely hard (like baseballs under your skin) and the expansion process can cause you to ache quite a bit. Plus, it requires a second surgery when you're fully expanded so that you can get your implants placed.

All that being said, I do not find implants at all uncomfortable. Your breasts will be 60-70% numb after the surgery. Meaning my husband can literally run his finger accross my breast and I cannot feel it. I can feel pressure from a hug, but not the more sensitive parts. This will be the case in either surgery, so even if you keep your nipples, I don't believe there is much sensitivity that remains.

I'm incredibly happy with my decision. I like my implants, although I wish I had requested gummy implants (it's a gummy silicone vs a gel and I think they have somewhat better results).

Again, this is all my non-scientific explanation. Your surgeon could tell you a lot more about both options and your options for implant types, etc.

@A MyBCTeam Member, I'm sorry, I do not. They are fairly commonly referred to as "gummy bear implants". If you go to youtube and look up "gummy bear implants" you will actually find videos that show how it differs from silicone. It actually has more shape and the health aspect of the gummy bear is that if it were to break open, it never actually leaks.

Judging by the videos that I saw on youtube, I'm wondering if it doesn't also reduce rippling. If I'm standing straight up and down, my foobs look phenomenal, however if I lean forward, sideways or otherwise do normal things, you can see some rippling on the underside of the foobs. It kind of sort of looks like cellulite (that's the only "natural" comparison I can think of). I've never asked a PS, but I'm wondering if they see this rippling occur less with gummy bears.

I've also heard from SEVERAL survivors who switched from silicone implants to the gummy bears and LOVED them.

I wonder if anyone here can chime in with their own experience?

Mentioned Users

A MyBCTea...

If you need radiation, you may experience problems with expanders. I needed radiation and my Rad onc would have preferred I did not have reconstruction done right away because it made it harder for them to manipulate the area that needed radiation. I had a ton of problems, be prepared - everyone is different!

I have read too much and had myself freaked out over reconstruction. Went to a plastic surgeon today and he made my decision easy. Each person will react differently. What's ideal for one person may not work on another. It was suggested for me to get the gel implants, hoping for the double masectomy and implants within the next couple weeks so I will try to let you know. :)

@A MyBCTeam Member provided a fantastic summary to be honest. I would've said essentially the same thing.

Mentioned Users

A MyBCTea...