I just had a left side mastectomy followed by reconstruction a year later. I wish I had done both at the same time. I think it would have been less traumatic. I was so frantic to cut the cancer out that I did not want to wait for a reconstruction consult and honestly it wasn’t offered to me. 9 years later and I’m stage 4 anyway. Simultaneous reconstruction is something I would do if I could do it again.

I had a BMX in 2015 with reconstruction in 2016. A year later, I developed capsular with the implant on the radiated side. I learned after consulting with four plastic surgeons that it was likely that I would develop capsular contracture again with the implant on the radiated side so I decided to have both implants removed and go flat. I had the implants removed in 2017 and have been really happy with the results and the great part about that is I won’t have any more surgeries in my future. Good luck with whatever you decide. If you decide to go flat, you can order a pair of knitted knockers for free at knittedknockers.org. The knitted knockers are soft and comfortable and look great under clothing.

I wish you well.
I also had a BMX. I had previously had a gastric bypass that left some hanging skin in the stomach area. I was able to get a tram flap. This is pulling up all the skin to create my new breasts. They are not as large as I would have liked, but they are all me. I had the BMX, tram flap, hernia repair as well as a tummy tuck all at the same time. The surgery took 10.5 hours. The recovery was not as bad as I thought. I was blessed with having a housekeeper to do the minor medical tasks that were required. This was the only surgery out of 25 that I laughed going to under anesthesia. The
surgeon was friends with my plastic surgeon, his brother was head of anesthesiaology, they were sharing funny things stories as the IV went in.
I have survived all the 25 surgeries, I believe in the power of positive thinking.
Best wishes to you and a speedy recovery.

Hi Latoya, I pray all goes well and you heal quickly!
I had a BMX with reconstruction, the expanders are uncomfortable but doable. My PS filled my expanders quite a bit because (450cc) which caused a bit more discomfort but I had some pretty nice foobs and never had to face the complete flat chest. You will sleep upright for about the first few weeks by either stacking several pillows in the bed or in a recliner. The drains are easy to care for and you will be so glad to get rid of them. I did not have radiation so I was able to have my exchange surgery after 3 months. They look great, although they are not perfect, I could have another surgery but I'm tired of being cut on. The 3D Aerola tattoos are amazing, that is what I got. You can do an internet search to see some, also there are other options using tattoos to cover scars.
When you are able, let us know how you are doing after surgery, you may have more questions. We are here for you!! Hugs!

I had double mastectomy and expanders installed in March 2017. The surgeon made ancher incisions which basically look like upside down letter "T". The plastic surgeons office started doing weekly fills of expanders before my incisions were completely healed. I had to have 3 additional surgeriea to debride and restich incisions and on the final surgery one of the expanders was removed. I will need at least 2 more surgeries to be fully reconstructed. Be careful and don't let your doctor start filling your expanders until your incisions are 100% healed.