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How is implant surgery after double mastectomy

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
August 10, 2022
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A MyBCTeam Member

So i had exchange surgery on july19 th it was not hard i just have been a difficult case but over all the transfer is easy

August 10, 2022
MyBCTeam

Implant surgery after a double mastectomy involves several steps and considerations:

1. Types of Implants:
- Silicone Implants: Filled with silicone gel, they tend to look and feel more natural.
- Saline Implants: Filled with sterile salt water, they are another option but may feel less natural.

2. Procedure
- Show Full Answer

Implant surgery after a double mastectomy involves several steps and considerations:

1. Types of Implants:
- Silicone Implants: Filled with silicone gel, they tend to look and feel more natural.
- Saline Implants: Filled with sterile salt water, they are another option but may feel less natural.

2. Procedure:
- Tissue Expander: During the mastectomy, a tissue expander (an empty implant) may be placed. This is gradually filled with air or water over six to eight weeks to stretch the skin and prepare for the permanent implant.
- Permanent Implant: After the tissue has expanded sufficiently, a more permanent implant is placed.

3. Timing:
- Immediate Reconstruction: Performed during the mastectomy, chosen by around 75% of people.
- Delayed Reconstruction: Allows time to decide on the type of reconstruction preferred.

4. Considerations:
- Health and Treatment: Overall health, breast size, cancer location, and any adjuvant treatments needed post-surgery.
- Aesthetic Goals: Desired look and feel of the reconstructed breast.
- Insurance Coverage: Important to check what is covered.

5. Risks and Recovery:
- Infection: Infection can occur in up to 35% of cases.
- Replacement: Implants typically need to be replaced every 10 years.
- Additional Surgeries: Tissue flap procedures require more surgeries and longer recovery times.

6. Nipple Reconstruction:
- Can be performed three to four months after the initial reconstruction once the new breasts have healed.

7. Emotional Impact:
- Many women report improved body image and self-esteem after reconstruction.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the resources provided by MyBCTeam:
- [Reconstruction After Breast Cancer Surgery: Your Guide](https://www.mybcteam.com/resources/reconstructi...)
- [Reconstructive Surgery for Breast Cancer](https://www.mybcteam.com/treatments/reconstruct...)

July 30, 2024
A MyBCTeam Member

Sorry Judy im sorry for the delay ..hopefully you can get some relief from ur shingle and im sure your exchange surgery will come up soon im sure their concern is infection so do be safe.. lots of love and prayers💖💖💖

September 6, 2022
A MyBCTeam Member

Thank you. I was suppose to have my exchange surgery tomorrow. Last week I broke out with an extreme case of shingles. Extremely painful. They will not do surgery until it is completely gone. I’m disappointed but I understand why. I’m just ready to get the expanders out.
There’s a reason and a purpose for everything.

September 6, 2022
A MyBCTeam Member

I will have my expanders removed and implants put in Aug.19th.

August 10, 2022

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