@meghaley
Hi,
I'm a year and 4 months out from my initial surgery. Even with the complications I had I would still choose the surgery again. I did develop an infection in my right side incision and had issues with fluid buildup around my implant. 1 month after my surgery they had to remove my implant and place an antibiotic disc. In March of this year they removed the disc and exchanged it for an implant. I do have capsular contraction and could have my implants replaced. I don't think I'm going to pursue that right now. If I didn't have visible scars I don't think most people would be able to tell I have had breast surgery. The capsular contracture isn't painful. It feels like my chest and shoulder muscles are tight and I have a little difficulty reaching overhead. I completed 6 months of singular and that seemed to help. The tightness feels like it is subsiding very slowly.
Astetically, everything looks really good except one nipple is inverted a little bit.
I was one of the very few people in the trial that developed an infection. I also have an auto inflammatory skin condition that likely contributed to the infection and capsular contracture.
I feel like it took close to a year to fully recover from the initial surgery and feel like a more normal human.
Overall I still feel like the surgery was worth the peace it has brought me. I feel like choosing the mastectomy over surveillance gave me more sense of control.
A note on pain and recovery, if they don't remove the fascia over your pectoral muscles, your recovery will likely be less painful.
Also I didn't realize your breasts make quite a bit of estrogen, so you might have a few hot flashes. Mine weren't too terrible because I use continuous oral birth control.
Whichever you decide, this is a really great community and will be here for you.

@meghaley, I hope you saw the kind and detailed reply from @ambermcc.

Meg, have you made your decision? How are you doing?