Any tips for preparing for implant surgery and tummy fat graft?

Posted by susan7656 @susan7656, Dec 13, 2024

Hi - I am going to have my tissue expanders replaced in late January, and fat will be taken from my tummy to smooth out the breasts. My cancer did not require chemo or radiation. My bilateral mastectomy was October 23.

I am *very pleased* with my medical team and the appearance of the plastic surgery done thus far . So I’m not asking for medical feedback here. But - if any of you have tips about preparing for “creature comforts” post surgery, I would welcome those!

I like to plan as best that I can for realistic surgery recovery. I’m not new to surgery, and I know planning ahead can make life easier!

Btw, I am 59.

Thank you in advance!!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Dec 24, 2024

@susan7656, in addition to the excellent guidance you're getting from @jjdeakin, you might be interested in these related discussions:
- Explanting: Looking for any fat grafting experience. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/explanting-looking-for-any-fat-grafting-experience/

- Fat grafting from thighs to cover rippling on breasts https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/fat-grafting-from-thighs-to-cover-rippling-on-breasts/

Susan, I'm glad you were warned about the bruising. It can make things look bad. Any other question popping into your head as you prepare for January?

susan7656 | @susan7656 | Dec 24, 2024

In reply to @colleenyoung "@susan7656, in addition to the excellent guidance you're getting from @jjdeakin, you might be interested in..." + (show)

@colleenyoung Thank you for those links. Those discussions were helpful.

And thanks for asking if I have more questions. I’m just doing my best to understand the recovery process - pain levels, mobility restrictions, and the real world problem of not being able to wear pants! I have talked with women who have all had slightly different recovery processes.