There are different kinds of reconstruction. I have implants. At age 60, I had a double mastectomy with tissue expanders placed at the same surgery. I had a plastic surgeon and the breast surgeon removing the breast both working together during the surgery. Because the breast tissue is gone, an expander goes under the muscle. The purpose of the expander is to stretch the muscle/skin. I took only over the counter meds after my surgery. I had pain but Tylenol extra strength covered it long as I took it on schedule. I took them Tylenol about 5 or 6 days.

After surgery, i was initially flat. Over the next few weeks, the plastic surgeon filled the expanders with saline to ïnflate¨ them. I had 4 ïnflations¨ until the expanders reached the desired size. I had no pain with the inflations, only a tightness for a day or so. The expanders stayed in from August until May. They were not painful, but not really comfortable either. I did have radiation while my expanders were in, I did not have any problems with the expanders during the radiation, but I have heard that some do.

After I was healed from any radiation skin issues, my plastic surgeon did a 2nd surgery to take out the expanders and replace them with the implants. He had me wait 4 months after radiation before the implant surgery. The implants are much more comfortable and that surgery was much less painful and recovery was quick. I had to remind myself not to do too much after this surgery because I had so little pain. As I go through my day, I rarely think about having implants (2 years out)

My incisions are finally on the mend and almost completely healed. I came to work in the office this week so a little tired as I drive an hour each way and it is a little taxing. Hoping to do Phase 2 in November. Sorry, I cannot give any advise or help on the implant side. Praying everything goes well for you :)

Had a dbl mastectomy. Started chemo yesterday today so far everything has been good 👍🏽 😌

I had a single mastectomy with tissue expander. I did not have pain with the fills, just tightness. About 9 months later, I had the exchange for permanent implant, and a lift on the other side. It was less painful and quicker recovery than the mastectomy, with no drains thank god. I still had to sleep on my back for a month, which I hate. I’m happy with the results, and don’t regret anything. Good luck with your decision and surgery!