I had a bilateral mastectomy with what the plastic surgeon called a Goldilocks procedure. (Not too big, not too small) I knew i wasn’t going for reconstruction with expanders but i planned on getting some kind of reconstruction using some of my excess belly fat. I never have done it, just not up for more surgery yet and i was told that insurance won’t cover it. I haven’t checked into that but it doesn’t matter if i don’t want surgery. I’m not flat but definitely not where i thought i’d be at this point. I didn’t keep my nipples, thought they might look wonky afterwards.

I had less skin on my right breast due to a prior lumpectomy and radiation. My plan was the same as yours.... mastectomy, the 6 weeks healing with a physical therapist, expanders placed ( I was home in 4 hours, very little pain) slowly filled them and then the exchange with fat graphing. Again, home quickly , sore because of the fat graphing but not horrible.
The plastic surgeon used Aloederm (cadaver skin) in several spots. I am very happy with my results. Making decisions is a very stressful part of this journey. Big hugs

Ps... I chose implants on top of the muscle and went a full size smaller.

From what I went through, my reconstruction with fat grafting did not go well. It’s like radiated skin rejected it. I. had implants In before a reoccurrence in my breast happened. Ended up eventually trying to go flat.
Read my story and definitely do research. Love and tender hugs. Ellen

You knew from the beginning you were not interested in expanders? My biggest worry is expanders since given the high complication rate and that my skin struggled to revascularize after mastectomy....wish I could have some minor form of reconstruction without expanders. I was an A cup before and would be great if fat grafting could be a stand alone option.