I am two weeks out from my exchange surgery, and the verdict is still out on how I feel about the reconstruction. The whole process was much more difficult than I anticipated. The tissue expanders were horribly uncomfortable, and sleeping was very difficult. I was told that the implants would be much more comfortable, and expected to feel better right away after my exchange. Unfortunately, there's not a lot of improvement so far. My chest muscles are very unhappy and sleeping is still difficult. I'm sorry to paint such a bleak picture. I'm hoping and praying that in a few months, after the muscles calm down, I'll be happy with my decision to have the reconstruction.

The one where they take the muscle from the back and bring it around with implants. I chose that rather than using the stomach area due to the much shorter recovery time (8 weeks rather than 6 months) and the blood vessels remain intact rather than being severed and reattached (greater success rate)

Had my reconstruction done in 2018…haven’t regretted a thing

Not sure if this was meant for me but no because I had a flap and used my own body fat under shoulder blade to refill it. So bonus no allergic reactions. Rupture, pig skin or cadaver was definitely a worry for me. Plus the ten year exchange. This way the tissue is still connected to blood vessels and nerves so that I have feeling in my breast it doesn't feel weird started off feeling harder with radiation super normal. I was shocked getting out of surgery and but for the scars look slightly swollen but symmetrical. It just made me feel better that this wasn't going to change me in more ways than one. Look at each procedure see how it's done the results how long it takes and you'll find what's best for you.

I’m thinking the same now I’m 63 and do I need to go thru two surgeries to match the other breast