Has anyone had gel implants placed day of surgery vs expanders?

I had an expander at the time of mastectomy … inflated gradually with saline. It gives the skin time to recover and then ease into its size and readiness for the silicone implant a few months down the road. It is surrounded by a “ pocket” constructed with decellular tissue matrix which will hold the silicone boob. The expander is actually stitched onto the chest wall to hold it until the exchange.

A huge concern is radiation treatments which may not be a known treatment until after surgery. Better to have expander if radiation is needed.

Hope this helps.

I had the double Mastectomy and gel implants in one surgery. The surgery took two hours with both the surgeon an plastic surgeon working in tandem. ( like a relay) I was a B cup and just stayed a B cup. I had DCIS and fortunately my sentinel nodes were clear. Initially, my intent was a lumpectomy with radiation and estrogen blocking therapy for five years. Didn’t have clear margins and the cancer was rather large. 2x8x9 cm’s. I do not need radiation or hormone blocking. I just need to acclimate to my new boobs. I need to wear a bra all the time for my own comfort. I just feel more comfortable bound. I have some nerve twinges but nothing too bothersome. I have 3 inch scars and may have some little dog ears removed. Tattoos are in the future to imitate nipples. (Maybe sunflower 🌻 s for a pretty affect).

So you had the mastectomy and gel implants in one surgery at Mayo? I was not given that option. And was yours a sensation-sparing surgery or traditional mastectomy? Who were your surgeons and plastic surgeons?

No I had the surgery at Regions in St. Paul (Dr Amy Fox and Dr Cherri Heinrich )I am fortunate that was it. I had to wait two months due to scheduling the surgeon, plastic surgeon and the operating room. I almost went for a consult at Mayo but I was really confident in the care I was receiving. Unfortunately not the resensation part…definitely an interesting option. I would guess with that level of micro surgery the time of the surgery would have been longer than two hours.

I asked for direct implants vs expanders, but had to get expanders. Dr was very reluctant ( they perfer expanders) but said if she absolutely felt I would be ok w direct implants ( ie no radiation or additional surgeries) she would. I woke up from surgery w expanders and was very sad. But my dr made the right call because I went into surgery for a nipple sparing double mastectomy, but when pathology came back one of my nipples was compromised and I needed another surgery 2 weeks later to remove the nipple.
As much as I disliked the expanders, my Dr knew what was best.

I just had surgery July 31st to remove the expanders for direct implants and I'm still uncomfortable. I think any foreign object in a body may take a while to feel " normal". I expected a huge relief when they were out, but only got a little bit of relief. I'm hopeful with time it will get better, but I think the whole process and any decision isn't the " easy " road. It's all rough, but we all can make it through it!!

Good luck w your decision!

@snowdown, Thank you for clarifying. I am scheduled for surgery on October 10 with her and Dr Sue-Mi Tuttle (plastic surgeon) for direct implants. I'm having another consult with Tuttle to address a few more questions and to see if I can actually see the exact size implants they will use, since I'm very anxious about this. At my consult with Dr Fox, I thought she lacks some in "bedside manner" (she was very matter-of-fact with me), I have no reason to believe that she isn't an excellent surgeon. She drew diagrams so that I know what type of incisions she would make, and was forthcoming about the fact that I would lose sensation. She actually called me personally one evening. And she encouragement me to "shop around" if I felt that was important to me to do further research on. Dr Tuttle was a bit more "gentle" and open to my questions. Were you satisfied with Dr Fox as your surgeon? How are you doing now? Does the numbness bug you, or are you just used to it now?

Dr. Fox is very direct but I appreciated that and the fact that she wasn’t just looking to do the mastectomy. We did try the lumpectomy route first. I think it may take a bit to get use to the feel of them. The drains part was a relief to get out. I was fortunate to have a comfy recliner and that’s where I slept for about 7 weeks. I am a side sleeper and so that was hard. it did help to put pillows under my arms. Showering with the drains I used a product I got from Amazon. I took back one of the drain vests as I didn’t really like them. I attached a photo. Prayers that your surgery goes well.

Thank you. I have the same concerns that you mentioned, like not being able to sleep on your side (I'm a side sleeper, too), and the drains...ugh. But we all have to get through that, right? And hopefully be satisfied with the end result. Thanks for your support.

I had a unilateral mastectomy with expander at first surgery. . I used that product for showering with drains as well. Also a mastectomy pillow for sleeping and seat belt comfort. Both made a substantial comfort difference.

11 months out of second surgery and I have been comfortably sleep on stomach for months. Side sleeping will return very quickly.

Best to you as you move along on your journey. 🌸

I had bilateral skin sparing with direct to implant. I’m very pleased with the outcome. I was a B cup now a C. I am going next week for reconstruction of the nipples and fat grafting. (Invasive ductal carcinoma)